22/06/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 22 June, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service reiterated that the Astana guarantors (Russia, Turkey and Iran) had committed to protecting the de-escalation zones in Syria. The Syrian regime and its allies have launched an offensive in the region of Deraa, in a de-escalation zone, stepping up artillery fire and air strikes, causing the civilian population to flee towards the border with Jordan. "The Astana guarantors are bound to ensure cessation of hostilities in these zones as a matter of priority and they are expected to deliver on this commitment", the spokesperson stated in a press release. "All necessary measures to protect civilian lives, as well as unhindered, safe and sustainable humanitarian access need to be ensured", the spokesperson added. According to the UN, the offensive endangers over 750,000 civilians in the region. (CG)