Iran, Russia, Turkey: Syrian crisis could only be resolved by Syrians

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
20 Jul 2022 00:35

The three countries have come up with a joint statement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pose for a photo on July 19, 2022 (Reuters)

In a joint statement published by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Iran, Russia, and Turkey asserted their rejection of all unilateral sanctions against Syria, just after talks took place in Tehran within the framework of the Astana process.

The three countries "expressed grave concern at the humanitarian situation in Syria and rejected all unilateral sanctions which are in contravention of international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter including, among other things, any discriminatory measures through waivers for certain regions which could lead to this country’s disintegration by assisting separatist agendas."

The presidents, furthermore, called on the international community and humanitarian organizations to increase assistance to all Syrians without politicization, discrimination, or conditions.

The Syrian crisis could only be resolved by Syrians themselves on the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, according to the Astana trio.

"Reaffirmed their conviction that there could be no military solution to the Syrian conflict and that it could only be resolved through the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned, UN-facilitated political process in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2254," the document says.

In addition, the three leaders reviewed the changes that have taken place in Syria since the last time they held a summit, stressing the relevance of the Astana format.

The intention to continue to fight terrorists in Syria was also reiterated. The countries "reaffirmed the determination to continue their ongoing cooperation in order to ultimately eliminate terrorist individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, while ensuring the protection of the civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with the international humanitarian law," the document says.

The three presidents "condemned increased presence and activities of terrorist groups and their affiliates under different names in various parts of Syria, including the attacks targeting civilian facilities, which result in loss of innocent lives. Highlighted the necessity to fully implement all arrangements related to the north of Syria."