ASTANA, November 23. /TASS/. The Astana format guarantor countries (Russia, Iran, and Turkey) condemned the growing activity of terrorist groups in Syria and expressed their determination to continue cooperation to counter terrorism, according to the joint statement issued on Wednesday at the end of the 19th International Meeting on Syria in the Astana format.
"[The sides] expressed their determination to continue interaction to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to counter separatist plans aimed at undermining Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity and threatening the national security of neighboring countries, including cross-border attacks and infiltration," the statement said.
"[The sides] condemned the growing presence and activity of terrorist groups and affiliated structures operating under various guises in various parts of Syria, including attacks on civilian infrastructure and shelters of internally displaced people, resulting in civilian casualties," the document reads.
Situation in northern Syria
In addition, the statement pointed out that the Astana format guarantor countries also "stressed the need to fully implement all existing agreements concerning northern Syria."
The parties discussed the situation in the northeast of Syria and agreed that achieving permanent security and stability in this region was possible only on the basis of preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity. "[The sides] reject all attempts to create new realities on the ground, including illegal self-government initiatives under the pretext of fighting terrorism," the document pointed out.
The situation in Idlib was also discussed in detail. "[The sides] agreed to make further efforts to ensure the sustainable normalization of the situation in and around Idlib, including the humanitarian situation. The sides also stressed the need to maintain the situation through full implementation of all existing agreements on Idlib," the text of the document emphasized.
Serious concern was also expressed about the intensification of hostilities and all forms of intimidation by separatist groups against civilians in Rojava. "[The sides] reiterated their rejection of the illegal seizure and transfer of oil revenues, which should belong to Syria. The sides also condemned the actions of countries supporting terrorist elements, including illegal self-governing regions in northeastern Syria," the statement said.