It is no secret that the last session of the United Nations General Assembly has clearly demonstrated the change in the international balance of forces, as expressed by Sergei Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister: "Numerous problems of the modern time can be resolved only on the basis of equality and mutual respect. Dictate and coercion, so typical of the colonial era, are to be once and for all… left on the ash heap of history".

Last week witnessed two important events. The first is the signing of the Idleb Agreement in Sochi by Russia and Turkey based on Astana's formula. The second is the Zionist aggression on targets in the province of Latakia that led, among other losses, to downing of a Russian reconnaissance aircraft and the killing of 15 Russian military servicemen on board.

A few hours ago [18 September 2018], a statement was issued by the Syrian Negotiating Commission on its position on the recent Russian-Turkish agreement. In what follows is our position on that statement:

Today's summit in Sochi [17th September, 2018] between the Russian and Turkish presidents marked an important and significant step forward towards ending terrorism in Syria as well as towards consolidating the political solution to the crisis. The fourth de-escalation zone has gained greater momentum by becoming co-sponsored by Russia and Turkey, and this will help to get rid of the internationally classified terrorist groups more rapidly. This process will take place in accordance with new ways and methods different from what has been followed in other regions, for several considerations, the most important of which:

The propaganda campaign concerning the ongoing preparations for the restoration of Idleb governorate to the authority of the Syrian state, is continuing and expanding under the banner of caring for the civilians. It is clear that this campaign –  in which all the forces of obstruction are involved from the United States to its regional allies, to some Syrian opposition forces – aims to prevent the elimination of the Terrorist organization of Al-Nusra Front, and this is meant to perpetuate the abnormal situation in Idlib, allowing Syria to remain hostage to Western countries, their mined solutions and their own reconstruction projects, to try to freeze the status quo, leading to division and fragmentation, blocking any gaining of the antecedent accrued benefits from the path of Astana to go on toward a political solution.

The Tehran meeting of the three countries (Russia – Iran – Turkey) has many implications in terms of form and content, whether through the Troika's confirmation of prior consensus or the newly emerging consensus contained in the final communiqué.

The events in Syria and around are occurring in a succession in line with a constant trend, the most prominent feature of which is the march towards a political solution...

According to many indicators and facts, the situation in and around Syria involves significant developments in next September.

The Russian ally has put a spotlight on the subject of the Syrian displaced people and refugees, in its real dimensions being a part of the process of resolving the Syrian crisis, thus reflecting an ethical attitude of seriousness about the fate of millions of Syrians who were, and still are, one aspect of the Syrian tragedy. In other words, the Russian Federation is committed to the Syrian people as one of the most important guarantors to normalize the situation in the country.

The new international balance of forces is the most prominent title, and the main engine of the current international processes. If denying this fact becomes a kind of political ignorance, it will, at the same time, cost those "deniers" a heavy price, under the promotion and consolidation of the role of the rising international powers.