De-escalation Zone Agreements Don’t Legitimize Turkish Presence in Syria: Govt.

Damascus stressed on Saturday that de-escalation zone agreements reached in Astana-6 meeting do not legitimize the existence of any Turkish force on the Syrian territories.

“Based on the Syrian government’s commitment to positively interact with any initiative that would solve the crisis in the counttry, stop the shedding of Syrian blood and alleviate the suffering of Syrian people, Syria took part in the past 6 rounds of Astana talks and it was open in dealing with all participating parties,” SANA news agency quoted an official source at the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry.

The source added that all documents and agreements issued, particularly de-escalation zone agreements, have been reached after consultations between the Syrian government, Russia and Iran.

“Syria stresses that agreement on establishing a de-escalation zone in Idleb province is temporary deal that aims at reviving the ancient Damascus-Hama-Aleppo road which will contribute to reducing the suffering of civilians and facilitate movement to Aleppo and neighboring areas,” the source said.

It reaffirmed that Syria will not waive its right to preserve its independence and territorial integrity and it will not halt its war to eradicate terrorism wherever it exists and whoever supports it.