Iran, Russia, Turkey Agree on De-Escalation Areas in Syria

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Iran, Russia and Turkey have decided to create de-escalation areas in Syria for six months to observe the ceasefire regime and continue the fight against terrorism. The de-escalation areas include Idlib province and certain parts in the north of Homs province, Latakia, Hama, Aleppo, as well as some parts of southern Syria, following their two-day meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan on Sept 14 and 15. In a joint statement, the three countries said the creation of de-escalation areas would not undermine the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. A joint Iranian-Russian-Turkish Coordination Centre would also be formed to coordinate activities of the de-escalation control forces in the de-escalation areas, said the statement issued by the Russian embassy, here, Tuesday. "(Iran, Russia and Turkey) emphasise the need for the conflicting parties to take confidence-building measures, including the release of detainees/abductees, hand-over of the bodies and identification of missing persons, to create better conditions for the political process and a lasting ceasefire," it said. They underscored the need to make use of the de-escalation areas for rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. The next high-level International Meeting on Syria will be held next month in Astana, according to the statement. -- BERNAMA