TEHRAN, May 15 (MNA) – The Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Turkey as guarantors of the observance of the ceasefire regime in the Syrian Arab Republic issued a joint Statement on the International Meeting on Syria in Astana.
Following is the full text of the statement:
The Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Turkey as guarantors of the observance of the ceasefire regime in the Syrian Arab Republic:
1. Reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. Highlighted that these principles should be universally respected and any action that might violate them and undermine achievements of the Astana format should be avoided.
2. Emphasized the importance of the implementation of the Memorandum on the creation of the de-escalation areas in the Syrian Arab Republic of 4 May 2017 and other agreements reached within the framework of the Astana format. Took stock of the developments of the situation on the ground a year after signing the Memorandum.
3. Underlined the key role that the de-escalation areas play in maintaining the ceasefire regime, reducing the level of violence and stabilizing the overall situation in Syria and highlighted that the creation of these areas is a temporary measure that under no circumstances undermines the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria.
4. Underscored the need to encourage efforts that help all Syrians to restore normal and peaceful life and to this end to ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, to deliver necessary medical aid and humanitarian assistance and to create conditions for safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their original places of residence as well as free movement of local population.
5. Reaffirmed their determination to fight terrorism in Syria in order to ultimately eliminate DAESH/ISIL, Nusra Front and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with AlQaeda or DAESH/ISIL as designated by the UN Security Council.
6. Welcomed the convening of the second meeting of the Working Group on the release of detainees/abductees and handover of the bodies as well as the identification of missing persons by three Guarantors` representatives with the participation of the UN and ICRC experts. Took note of the Working Group`s progress report and reaffirmed the necessity to continue joint efforts aimed at building confidence between the conflicting parties in Syria. Agreed to hold the next meeting of the Working Group in Ankara in June 2018.
7. Guided by the provisions of the UN Security Council resolution 2254, reaffirmed their determination to continue joint efforts aimed at advancing the process of the political settlement, through facilitating the implementation of the recommendations of the Congress of the Syrian National Dialogue in Sochi. In this regard agreed to hold joint consultations of their high-level representatives with the United Nations SecretaryGeneral’s Special Envoy for Syria as well as with Syrian parties in order to create conditions to facilitate the beginning of the Constitutional Committee`s work in Geneva as soon as possible and to carry out such meetings on a regular basis.
8. Expressed their sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Nursultan Nazarbayev and the Kazakh authorities for hosting in Astana the 9th high-level International Meeting on Syria.
9. Decided to hold the next high-level International Meeting on Syria in Sochi in July 2018.
source: https://en.mehrnews.com/news/134053/Iran-Turkey-Russia-issue-joint-statement-on-Intl-Meeting-on
Astana Talks, whether in Kazakhstan, Sochi, Ankara or Teheran, are the key political device for Putin to shape the future of Syria. This is where the trio of nations and their leaders conform to what Russia wants and Syria needs.
No matter how rebellious or singular Erdogan or Iran act outside of Astana, Putin pulls them back with these Talks and decrees. This is how real progress on the ground has been shaped geopolitically and politically.
The UN and West have their useless Geneva talks. Astana is the force that will decide the future, even though “moderates” refuse to comply. Underlying the Astana protocols is the proven threat of Russian aerospace should any group resist with arms. The DEZs are all enforced with Russian MPs on the ground, the Syrian Army if needed, and Russian aerospace above.
Putin has kept several steps ahead of the US machinations, and this process will be the create the formula for a new Syria.
Indeed, Larchmonter. I may repeat it often, but I think that amidst all the barking, reminding is needed:
The Caravan Moves On
I generally agree with much of your comments, but when it comes to Iran and Turkey, you seem to have some blinders on and a general disrespect towards the two countries.Tell me, why doesn’t Turkey simply start working with USA/NATO again, if they do not approve of how Russia(and others) are handling things?Why would Iran bow to the Russian Federation, which is weaker than the Soviet Union, when they didn’t bow to the USA+SU in the past?Also Iran was helping Syria before Russia ever got involved.I think it’s much more likely both Iran and Turkey genuinely agree with or otherwise approve of the content in the statement, it is a joint statement after all.
I don’t think Russia is asking anyone to bow. Russia is in a business of making deals, not subduing anyone while making these deals. There is always exchange of interests going on. The Israel/US team disregards the interests of those it considers inferior, and just wants them to kneel, kiss the ring, give everything away…and then die.
Excellent, but, to be really pedantic, Russia is in a business of creating stable, mutually beneficial legal frameworks in which deals can be made.
Sounds good but Syria is facing 2 massive obstacles in a near future. Liberation of Idlib and liberation of eastern part of Syria, currently under control of US and Kurds. These 2 operations will be the crucial military actions for Syrian future on one side and last chance for regime change and continuation of chaos policies by US and Israel on other side. Extremely dangerous times ahead.
Beautiful.
Can’t be bought with the empire’s soggy fiat currency.
Reaching, yet another, international peace agreement and joint guarantees with Turkey and Iran!
Very eloquent, and … very nicely done.
Missiles and bullets is the force that will decide the outcome. It’s ludicrous to believe this will not end up in a fight and that diplomacy is the key. When the war starts and if Russia begins to lose, see how many choose to be diplomatic then.
Imo, the US is going to get nailed; and dialogue is the right way…but at the same time, it is foolish be believe that a fight can be avoided and hoping in diplomacy.
Any fight can be avoided by presenting convincing arguments, displaying plenty of muscle, shrewdness, and no prospect of any favorable outcome for the enemy. This is what Putin and his team managed to accomplish so far. Now it is all about timing. The weaker the dollar is, the likelier the hegemon will stop breathing without killing any opponents on a massive scale.
This models a 2 party conflict. In three + party model the claim that any fight can be avoided…etc etc does not compute, ie is not valid.
Witness present day examples and you will see that many fights, not all fight, can be avoided. Let’s you and him fight while I loot and steal, ok? That is generally the deal.
Sun Tsu says you can make army fight if placed back to sea…ie eliminate alternatives.
Is simple, Comrade.
I note especially Art.5 in the statement.
Let us examine it carefully..
Here: 5. Reaffirmed their determination to fight terrorism in Syria in order to ultimately eliminate DAESH/ISIL, Nusra Front and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with AlQaeda or DAESH/ISIL as designated by the UN Security Council.
A remarkably broad scope, eh? Shall we inquire as to the meaning of “associated”
Now who will name the fine fellows who are “associated”?
According to semantic evidence the Signatory States are explicitly stating that they intend to “eliminate” the entire structure and system that created and maintains and directs… Generally, this seem to confirm the idea that these three States consider the war to be operational and the war goal is being stated…
I believe Roosevelt Administration worked a similar deal about 1943…part of the pathways to Nuremberg…it part of the political creation of future conditions, and part of war, by definition…otherwise it’d be just fighting without purpose…a riot, not a war.
So, they consider themselves “at war”, so to speak. I am not shocked. Sober men. Clear thinking. They men to prevail, and can, and know it. Otherwise Art 5 would say something else…
“Israeli-Turkish diplomatic relations deteriorated on Wednesday into acts of humiliation against each other’s diplomats. Turkey started the undiplomatic duel by inviting photographers to Istanbul’s airport to film departing Israeli Ambassador Eitan Naeh undergo an intense security check before boarding the plane back to Israel.
Jerusalem responded by inviting the press to cover the arrival at the Foreign Ministry of the No. 2 at the Turkish Embassy, Umut Deniz, who was called in and reprimanded for Ankara’s treatment of Naeh. He was filmed being asked for his documents by a security guard at the gate.”
ROW WITH TURKEY OVER GAZA GETS UGLY
https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Row-with-Turkey-gets-ugly-556680
Better send a copy to gay Paris!
Ooops, ..
“The Syrian government forces detained 20 Toyota SUVs with Iraqi license plates carrying 60 French military specialists ‘on board’. They simply got lost in Hasakah province on their way to the positions of Syrian Democratic Forces.”
https://smmsyria.com/2018/05/17/breaking-french-snipers-detained-in-hasakah-full-story/
Is it just me but do I fail to see where Syria is part of the solution? I never really read anything Syrian on what Syria wants or even if Syria supports resolutions such as these. I would be glad to have links and such.
Me too….but Assad met Putin in Sochi yesterday…..something about additional means to promote the political settlement….wonder how much “choice” there really is…..
Details here
http://theduran.com/putin-met-assad-in-sochi-planned-political-settlement-and-the-future-of-syria/
The Zionist state likes to claim ‘ambiguity’ about the existense of Israeli nuclear weapons (largely to ensure the continuation of tribute from its US vassal). It is ironic and somewhat amusing to see Russia using ‘ambiguity’ in dealings with the Zionist state regarding supply of S-300s to Syria.
This munificence towards Turkey is really most gratifying. The USA’s assorted vassals must envy Turkey for being denied this hideously expensive lemon.
https://www.rt.com/usa/427062-lawmakers-bill-f35-ban-turkey/
Is it just me or is the business end of that F-35 turkey picture reminiscent of a nether region?
We’ll know we’re getting somewhere when announcements like this start naming the US and its vassals as terrorist organizations that need to be removed from Syrian territory. Naming all the current head-chopper groups without naming the US/EU/NATO militaries that train them to murder civilians and steal resources, is playing along with the western narrative.
When they start telling it like it is – it’s western terrorism with a view to resource theft – then that will be progress against evil.
But, at least they’re doing something rather than nothing, so good!