(VOVWORLD) - The Presidents of Russia, Turkey, and Iran issued on Wednesday a Joint Statement on Syria at the conclusion of their tripartite summit in Sochi, Russia. The Joint Statement identifies their cooperation priorities and ways to end conflict in Syria.
 Presidents of Iran, Russia, and Turkey issue a Joint Statement affirming cooperation in Syria issue (Photo: AFP/TTXVN) |
The summit took place amidst failure in Syria of IS gunmen and rebels against President Bashar Al Assad. Press Secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov said that the meeting will focus on steps to solve the Syrian crisis.
Peace process promoted
The outcome of the tripartite summit shows the close cooperation between Russia, Turkey, and Iran in promoting the peace process in Syria though Turkey has previously had different views on the Kurds’ role in northern Syria and opposed their participation in the Syrian National Dialogue Conference.
In the Joint Statement, the three countries highlighted the results of their cooperation in the fight against terrorism and reiterated their readiness to completely wipe out IS, Al Nusra and other extremist groups. The three Presidents agreed on the importance of liberating Syria, saying it will help settle the crisis comprehensively and sustainably.
The Turkish and Iranian leaders supported Russia’s proposal to hold a Syrian People's Congress. They have instructed the compilation of a plan and name participants for the Congress. Representatives of Syria’s government, opposition parties, and religious groups are expected to participate in the Congress. The event will address key items on Syria's national agenda: a framework for the future structure of the state, a new constitution, and, elections under UN supervision. The Congress will decide the future of Syria.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry says the Joint Statement reflects a commitment to respecting Syria’s national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity while ending the current conflict.
Joint Statement implementation
The Joint Statement show Russia, Turkey, and Iran’s willingness to cooperate but President Vladimir Putin said that it will not be easy and will require concessions from all parties including the Syrian government. Putin said he believes Russia, Iran, and Turkey will make every effort to realize the Joint Statement.
President Putin had multiple previous meetings with his Turkish and Syrian counterparts to discuss Syria’s situation after the war. The three leaders reached consensus on the need to strengthen efforts to protect long-term stability in Syria.