Iran, Russia, and Türkiye, serving as guarantor countries in the Astana Format, convened for the 21st International Meeting on Syria in Astana on January 24-25, 2024. The meeting focused on addressing the Syrian crisis and regional stability, particularly in light of the escalating Palestinian-Israeli conflict and its repercussions on Syria.
According to Embassy of The Russian Federation, the representatives examined the latest international and regional developments. They acknowledged the Astana Process’s crucial role in fostering a lasting resolution to the Syrian crisis and expressed deep concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. They stressed the necessity of ending the Israeli offensive against Palestinians and emphasized compliance with the UN General Assembly Resolution A/ES-10/L.27 (2023), which calls for an immediate ceasefire and adherence to international law.
The guarantor countries reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. They emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to restore relations between Türkiye and Syria, highlighting the need to combat terrorism, facilitate the return of Syrian refugees with the involvement of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid.
The meeting also focused on combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations, condemning terrorist groups operating in Syria. The necessity to maintain calm in the Idlib de-escalation area was underscored, with a commitment to ensure normalization of the situation in and around Idlib, including its humanitarian aspect.
Discussions extended to the situation in northeast Syria, rejecting attempts to create new realities on the ground, including illegitimate self-rule initiatives. The representatives condemned the continued illegal seizure and transfer of oil resources belonging to Syria and denounced all unilateral sanctions that violate international law.
The delegations emphasized the need for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. They highlighted the Syrian Constitutional Committee’s role in promoting political settlement and called for the resumption of its work.
The representatives expressed serious concern over the humanitarian situation in Syria, exacerbated by the devastating earthquake of February 6, 2023. They emphasized the importance of increasing humanitarian assistance to Syria and called for the removal of barriers to aid distribution.
The meeting concluded with a call to the international community to facilitate the safe, voluntary return of Syrian refugees and IDPs, and an agreement to convene the 22nd International Meeting on Syria in Astana in the second half of 2024.