The summit wants to launch a political process in Syria

The Syrian summit in Istanbul today approved the basic elements of a political process in Syria. Thus, a constitutional committee must be created and begin its work in Geneva by the end of the year. The political process should be in the hands of Syria and be led by Syria, according to the statement that has been approved by Turkey, Russia, France and Germany.

It should be supported by the United Nations. At the end of this process, there should be free and general elections to which all Syrians could participate, including those residing abroad, said German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In addition, the conditions for a voluntary return of refugees should be created in Syria, according to the final document.

Truce for Idlib

It also highlights the importance of a lasting ceasefire in the Syrian province of Idlib. Meanwhile, Merkel, along with the presidents of Russia, France and Turkey, Vladimir Putin, Emmanuel Macron and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stressed the need to continue the fight against terrorism.

Erdogan hailed "really productive and honest talks" after the fourth summit on Syria's future in Istanbul. With the help of Germany and France, the process says Astana could be further expanded. He also invited other countries to help. The Syrian conflict had become a "global problem", due to the lack of interest of the world public opinion.

Constitutional Commission until the end of the year

The priority of the talks was to maintain the ceasefire in the region, said Erdogan. He also called for the creation of a constitutional committee for Syria by the end of the year. He reiterated the threat that Turkey will not tolerate terrorist organizations either at Turkish borders or in Syria. He mentioned, among other things, the Allied Kurdish militias of the United States in Syria.

The summit "underscored the importance of a permanent ceasefire and stressed the need to continue the fight against terrorism," Erdogan said in his closing statement.

At the press conference, Merkel said: "The great commitment that new humanitarian disasters will not happen." Merkel had previously discussed the situation in Syria during several meetings with Erdogan, Macron and Putin. A constitutional committee was adopted last January with government representatives and the opposition has not yet been formed. Leaders in Damascus insist that a new constitution is an internal affair of the country.