Head of the Syrian government delegation at Astana peace talks Bashar al-Jaafari said that the meetings with Russian and Iranian delegations over the last two days were constructive and important issues were discussed, including maintaining the cessation of hostilities agreement and separating opposition armed groups from terrorist organizations such as Islamic State (ISIS) and the Nusra Front.
Speaking to reporters at the end of the third round of Astana talks, Jaafari said that the negotiations ended without the participation of the armed opposition groups and blamed their guarantor Turkey for their absence. He accused Turkey of seeking to derail the talks but said it failed to do so due to Russian and Iranian efforts and the dedication of the Syrian delegation.
He noted that the government delegation has voiced its readiness to discuss all issues that can save Syrian lives and put an end to terrorism, adding that extensive efforts were being made, with Russian and Iranian cooperation, to ensure the success of the latest round of talks.
Jaafari said that the absence of the “armed opposition” delegation means departing from the cessation of hostilities agreement, noting that their failure to commit to the date pointed to their carelessness regarding the whole process.
Jaafari added that the only document that was discussed was on the demining of the archeological city of Palmyra.
This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
