By Prarthana Mitra
Political settlement
The four leaders committed themselves to push for a new constitution for Syria under the supervision of Geneva, underlining that the UN needs to step up in their intervention in the region.
A specially-appointed committee is expected to begin drafting the new constitution by the end of this year.
Return of the refugees
The ultimate goal of a democratic settlement process is to initiate the practice of transparent, internationally observed elections. According to the communique, all Syrians, including those who had to flee the country, should be able to participate in the election. Speaking for Syrian refugees, the leaders agreed to collectively ensure their safe and voluntary return.
Touching upon rehabilitation, they also discussed how developed economies can contribute to the construction of appropriate housing and social care facilities in the region.
Against internal and external separatist elements
All the four heads were opposed to dividing Syria and insisted on preserving its autonomy within its pre-war borders. Any separatist movement or occupancy by foreign powers will be firmly rejected and resisted. In that vein, Russia and Turkey reserved the right to help Syrian government preserve peace and contain terror threats in Idlib, based on the deal they had brokered earlier this year.
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Stressing the importance of counter-terrorism and de-weaponisation (especially chemical weapons), they agreed that the UN and other peace-keeping organisations should bolster aid deliveries to a country which faces worsening humanitarian conditions and steadily deteriorating security. Swift, safe and unhindered, flow of humanitarian aid will bring relief from the routine distress and suffering that Syrians go through, believed Ergodan’s hosts.
Just days after Israel closed its border to Palestinian immigrants fleeing from relentless bombings and airstrikes, the four leaders arrived at what could be the first comprehensive step towards bringing the country back from the brink of an US-aided civil war.
Prarthana Mitra is a staff writer at Qrius