De-Escalation Zones Temporary, Not Undermining Syria’s Sovereignty

Iran, Russia and Turkey underscored the importance of the de-escalation zones in war-torn Syria on Tuesday, reiterating that they are temporary and do not undermine the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 
The de-escalation areas play a key role in maintaining the ceasefire regime, reducing the level of violence and stabilizing the overall situation in Syria, representatives of the three countries said in a joint statement issued at the end of the ninth round of Syria peace talks in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana, which began on Monday. 
“The creation of these areas is a temporary measure that under no circumstances undermines the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria,” read the statement carried by Tasnim News Agency. 
Hossein Jaberi-Ansari, a special assistant to foreign minister, represented Iran in the talks, while Alexander Lavrentiev, the Russian president’s special envoy for Syrian affairs, led his country’s delegation. Turkey’s top negotiator was Sedat Onal, deputy undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry.
Also present were representatives from the Syrian government, who, like the rebels, participate in the meetings but do not sign joint statements, according to Reuters.