Astana 16 Guarantor Countries Warn Against Seizing Syrian Oil Revenues

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The guarantor states, Turkey, Russia, and Iran, reiterated their strong commitment to Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, stressing the continuation of joint action to combat terrorism in Syria until its final elimination.

In their final statement of the 16th international meeting in the Astana format, held in the Kazakh capital, Nur-Sultan, the guarantor states, refused the separatist agendas' aim to undermine Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They stressed to "cooperate for the final elimination of ISIS, Jabhat al-Nusra, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, and all individuals, groups, institutions and other organizations that the UN Security Council recognize as terrorists while ensuring the protection of civilians and infrastructure, under international humanitarian law."

The states condemned the Israeli attacks on Syrian territory that violate international law and international humanitarian law, calling for their cessation and stressing the commitment to develop the political process led and owned by the Syrians and facilitated by the United Nations, under the UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

They rejected all unilateral coercive measures imposed on Syria, which contravene international law, international humanitarian law, and the Charter of the United Nations, calling on the international community to facilitate the proper return of displaced Syrians and refugees to their homeland.
 
For his part, the Special Representative of the Russian President for Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, stated that "this level of confidence is weak and does not  any compromises."

He added, "The Russian delegation scheduled to meet with the Syrian opposition today. We need to see the ideas they have to correct the situation and consolidate and increase the level of trust between them and the Syrian government." 

In turn, the head of the Syrian government delegation to the Astana meetings, Ayman Susan, warned that Turkey is working to Turkify northern Syria.

Susan called on the international community to end Turkish presence in northern Syria, pointing out the weak investment in the humanitarian crisis that violates sovereignty and supports terrorism.