On the margins of the ministerial meeting of the Defeat ISIS Coalition, 19 states issued a joint statement on Syria, in which they reaffirmed the unity and territorial integrity of Syria.

19 states issued a joint statement on Syria, today Tuesday, on the margins of the ministerial meeting of the Defeat ISIS Coalition in Rome. 

The statement said: "We, the Ministers and representatives of the United States, Italy, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Iraq, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and representatives of the League of Arab States and European Union, met today on the margins of the Defeat ISIS Coalition Ministerial to discuss the crisis in Syria."

It also stressed the "importance of continued support to Syrian refugees and host countries until Syrians can voluntarily return home with safety and dignity in line with UNHCR standards."

The signing states welcomed "UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen’s briefing" and reaffirmed "strong support for UN-led efforts to implement all aspects of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, including continued support for an immediate nation-wide ceasefire, the unimpeded and safe delivery of aid, and the Constitutional Committee, as well as fighting against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations."

Moreover, the statement said: "Reaffirming the unity and territorial integrity of Syria, we remain committed to continue working actively to reach a credible, sustainable, and inclusive political solution based on Resolution 2254. This is the only solution that will bring an end to Syria’s decade long conflict and guarantee the security of the Syrian people and fulfil their aspirations."

In the meantime, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, said that the recent airstrikes on Iraq and Syria were a necessary and deliberate measure in the course of limiting the risk of escalation. 

During his participation in the Rome Conference on Syria, Blinken considered that the airstrikes constitute a strong, deterring and unambiguous message to the Iran-backed factions. 

Blinken considered the Washington measure comes under the framework of self-defense and doing whatever is necessary to prevent any other future attacks.