Rebel representative denies opposition delegates agreed to consider Russia’s draft constitution, saying that three issues will determine whether the opposition will continue its participation in political process — these include consolidating the ceasefire, bringing in humanitarian aid and releasing prisoners, Alsouria Net writes
Ain al-Medina explains the reason Moscow sent non-Russian special forces to a foreign country as part of a special mission for the first time since the breakup of the Soviet Union
Opposition spokesman announced the rebel delegation to Astana refused to address Moscow’s calls to review a new draft constitution, Zaman al-Wasl reports
The draft constitution has been prepared by Russian experts in order to speed up the political process
Opposition media reports on interview between rebel negotiator and German press agency DPA following rumors of rebel representatives accepting inducements from the Assad regime
Key rebel group says it will not back down until former Al-Qaeda affiliate is stopped after fighters launched attacks on groups attending the Astana negotiations earlier this week, opposition media reports
Kremlin claims supersonic bombers destroyed Islamic State command posts and arms caches after taking off from airfields in Russia, SANA reports
Russian senator overseeing committee on foreign affairs voices confidence in truce process as ceasefire gains popularity among armed opposition groups, Syrian government newspaper SANA reports
Syrian government’s head negotiator speaks to the press about the success of the talks in Kazakhstan’s capital, lauding the efforts of allies Russia and Iran in reaching an agreement to form a ceasefire monitor
Government news agency SANA publishes transcript of Syrian president’s interview with Japanese journalist regarding the state of the current ceasefire, this week’s peace talks in Kazakhstan, and what is likely to come from a Trump presidency
Alsouria Net speaks to insider at recent meetings between Turkish representatives and the Syrian armed opposition, in which most major rebel groups — except Ahrar al-Sham — agreed to attend the negotiations with the Assad regime in Astana next week
Opposition president says Russia would be showing a sign of good faith if it agrees to enforce international resolutions and hold war criminals to account
Loyalist Al-Watan newspaper writes that Erdogan’s mounting domestic and international problems will force the Turkish president to accept that the only way to restore his regional standing will be through rapprochement with Assad
Russian FM says opposition delegation at Astana will include those groups who have signed December’s cessation of hostilities agreement, calling on all factions not linked to ISIS or Nusra to join the truce ahead of negotiations
Writing for All4Syria, Walid Bunni urges opposition factions attending the upcoming talks in Astana to resist foreign pressure for short-term gains
How will the Syrian opposition go to Astana and what are the issues to watch out for? Political opposition and religious figures speak with Alsouria Net about what strategic changes must be made in order to emerge successful
Minister Abdrakhmanov proposing next Monday as the working date to hold talks on Syria in the Kazakh capital
Russian FM meets with counterpart Abdrakhmanov to discuss preparations for the upcoming Syrian peace talks to be held in the Kazakh capital next week
Alaa Ibrahim says reconciliation agreement will take place in the Eastern Ghouta area outside the capital Damascus within the next few days
Deputy head of the Syrian Interim Government expresses hope that a Trump presidency will contribute to Turkey’s efforts to ensure a successful ceasefire in Syria
