Arab States, Astana Guarantors Warn of Syria’s Descent into Chaos, Terrorism
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Foreign ministers from major Arab states, alongside Iran, Russia, and Turkey, have urged the immediate launch of a political process in Syria to prevent further instability, bloodshed, and a resurgence of terrorism.
The foreign ministers of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq, joined by their counterparts from Iran, Russia, and Turkey—the guarantors of the Astana peace talks—issued a joint statement on Saturday following a meeting in Doha.
They emphasized the urgent need for “launching a comprehensive political process, based on (United Nations) Security Council Resolution 2254, to put an end to the military escalation that leads to the shedding of more innocent and defenseless blood and prolonging the crisis.”
The 2015 resolution calls for a ceasefire and a roadmap to resolve the conflict that has gripped Syria since foreign-backed militancy erupted in March 2011.
The statement came shortly after foreign-backed militants launched a fresh offensive aimed at reasserting their influence across Syria.
It underscored that implementing a political process would “preserve the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria…and ensure the voluntary return of refugees and the displaced.”
The ministers warned that the ongoing Syrian crisis poses a serious threat to regional and international security. They urged all relevant parties to contribute to a political solution and stressed the need to strengthen international efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the Syrian people.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi who attended the meeting, echoed the call for a political resolution.
The “most important” agreement, he stated, was the recognition that “political dialogue between the Syrian government and the legitimate opposition groups” must commence without delay.