Joint Statement by Iran, Russia and Turkey on the International Meeting on Syria in Astana

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accordance with the Terms of Reference for deployment of de-escalation control

forces prepared by the Joint Working Group on de-escalation on a temporary basis

in the security zone in the de-escalation area in Idlib province and certain parts of

the neighbouring provinces (Latakia, Hama and Aleppo provinces) with the aim to

prevent incidents and clashes between the conflicting parties (the government of

the Syrian Arab Republic and the armed opposition groups that have joined and

will join the ceasefire regime).

6. Form Joint Iranian-Russian-Turkish Coordination Center aimed at

coordinating activities of de-escalation control forces in the de-escalation areas.

7. Emphasize progress in the fight against terrorism and elimination of

DAESH/ISIL, Nusra Front and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and

entities associated with Al-Qaeda or DAESH/ISIL as a result of the launch of the

above-mentioned de-escalation areas and reaffirm their determination to take all

necessary measures to continue the fight against them within and outside the de-

escalation areas.

8. Emphasize the need for the conflicting parties to take

confidence-building measures, including the release of detainees/abductees and the

handover of the bodies as well as identification of missing persons, to create better

conditions for political process and lasting ceasefire.

9. Underscore the need to make use of the de-escalation areas for rapid,

safe and unhindered humanitarian access and recall, in this regard, the relevant

provisions of the Memorandum of 4 May 2017.

10. Call upon the observers of the Astana process and other interested

members of the international community to support the process of de-escalation

and stabilization in Syria, inter alia by sending additional aid to the Syrian people,

facilitating the humanitarian mine action, preserving historical heritage, restoring

basic infrastructure assets, including social and economic facilities;

11. Call upon the conflicting parties, representatives of the Syrian

opposition and civil society to use emerging favorable conditions to step up efforts