The foreign ministers of Russia, Qatar, and Turkey met in Doha on Thursday to promote a political resolution to the crisis in Syria and discuss ways to support such an outcome.
According to a joint statement released after the summit, the leaders—which included Moscow’s Sergei Lavrov, Doha’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, and Ankara’s Mevlut Cavusoglu—stressed that there was no military solution to the Syrian conflict, and reaffirmed their commitment “to advancing a political process facilitated by the United Nations to support the Syrian parties to reach a political solution in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and Geneva Communique of 2012.” UNSCR 2254 calls for a ceasefire and political settlement in Syria, whereas the Geneva Communique establishes clear steps that can help achieve that goal.
While underscoring their determination to combat terrorism and confront separatist agendas seeking to undermine Syrian sovereignty and independence, as well the national security of its neighbours, the countries also highlighted the importance of Syrian parties’ involvement in the work towards constitutional reform without foreign intervention. They also expressed grave concern over the humanitarian situation in Syria and how it has worsened amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the three countries called on the United Nations (UN) and its agencies like the World Health Organisation (WHO) to prioritise vaccination inside Syria.
Additionally, the leaders emphasized the need to expand humanitarian assistance to all Syrians and to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). The 10-year war has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced more than 6.5 million people. The countries also advocated for more cooperation on employing confidence-building measures—such as releasing detaining, particularly women, children and the elderly—between the various Syrian parties to establish mutual trust, which could help achieve progress in the political settlement process.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the ministers said that though this was a new trilateral consultation process to help end the Syrian conflict, they were not seeking to replace efforts already being taken by Turkey, Russia, and Iran under the Astana format, which serves as a forum for negotiations among conflict parties involved in Syria’s civil war. The Astana trio met for the 15th edition of their talks last month, and are expected to meet again in mid-2021.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that he welcomed Qatar’s desire “to make its contribution to creating the conditions for overcoming the current tragic situation in Syria.” Ankara and Doha have backed fighters who sought to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Moscow provided military support to Assad, which helped him seize back most of the country. Turkish FM Cavusoglu said Turkey would host the next round of their meet, the date for which has not been revealed yet.
Russia, Qatar, and Turkey Discuss Ways to Support Lasting Political Solution in Syria
The trio stressed that there was no military solution to the Syrian conflict and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a political process facilitated by the UN.
March 12, 2021
SOURCE: REUTERS