UPDATE - Türkiye, Russia, Iran reaffirm commitment to Astana process on Syria

UPDATE WITH DETAILS OF JOINT STATEMENT AFTER THE END OF 2-DAY EVENT

By Serdar Dincel and Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) – Türkiye, Russia, and Iran on Tuesday issued a joint statement following the conclusion of the two-day 22nd International Meeting on Syria, during which delegates discussed the latest Middle East situation, condemned Israel's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, and reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Syrian crisis through the Astana Process.

Following two days of talks in Astana, Kazakhstan's capital, attended by 11 delegations from Türkiye, Iran, Russia, Syria, and the United Nations, the three guarantor countries of the Astana Format issued a joint statement outlining their positions on key issues concerning Syria and the wider region.

The three countries emphasized their commitment to the Astana Process, which aims to restore Syria's sovereignty, alleviate the humanitarian crisis, and achieve long-term stability through a political solution.

- Condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria

The statement strongly condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, expressing grave concern over the escalating violence. The guarantor states urged the UN Security Council to intervene to secure an immediate and permanent cease-fire in Gaza, as well as unrestricted humanitarian access.

It also emphasized the necessity of a cease-fire in Lebanon, advocating for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) to help stabilize the region. They stressed the importance of delivering humanitarian aid to Lebanon.

Additionally, the representatives condemned Israel's airstrikes in Syria, citing violations of international law and the country's sovereignty, and demanded an immediate halt to these military actions.

- Syrian sovereignty, commitment to peaceful resolution

The statement underscored the joint commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, in accordance with UN principles. Türkiye, Russia, and Iran called for adherence to these principles and noted their opposition to any actions that undermine Syria's territorial unity.

They reaffirmed their support for Syria's stability and expressed a desire for diplomatic reconciliation between Türkiye and Syria based on mutual respect, goodwill, and good neighborly relations.

- Focus on counterterrorism, security in northern Syria

The other key point of the joint statement was the guarantor countries' shared commitment to combating terrorism "in all forms." They reiterated their opposition to separatist movements that threaten Syria's territorial integrity and neighboring states' security, including cross-border threats from northern Syria.

Efforts to counter separatist agendas in this area, particularly west of the Euphrates, were deemed essential for regional security.

They also condemned the Oct. 23 terrorist attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in the Turkish capital Ankara.

- Importance of humanitarian aid, refugee assistance

Recognizing the humanitarian crisis in Syria, the statement called for increased international humanitarian aid. It stressed the necessity of uninterrupted aid delivery through all UN-approved channels, including cross-border and cross-line routes into northwest Syria.

In addition, the guarantor countries advocated for the "safe, dignified, and voluntary" return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced people, along with guarantees of their right to return and access to assistance.

- Political resolution, role of constitutional committee

The guarantors reaffirmed that Syria’s crisis cannot be resolved militarily and reiterated their commitment to a sustainable, Syrian-led, UN-facilitated political process in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

They also highlighted the Syrian Constitutional Committee’s crucial role in advancing a political solution and pledged to support its work, emphasizing that bureaucratic or logistical obstacles should not hinder the committee’s efforts.

- Continued collaboration, future meetings

According to the statement, the representatives concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to continuing to work together on the release of detainees and abductees, as well as the pursuit of mechanisms that promote Syrian stability and reconstruction.

They also agreed to hold the next tripartite summit of heads of state in the Astana Format in the Russian Federation, in accordance with the joint statement of the 2022 Tripartite Summit, and the 23rd International Meeting on Syria, which will be held in Astana in the first half of 2025, the declaration said.