Talks between Turkiye, Russia, Iran and the United Nations (UN) expert panel in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana, on a common mechanism to ensure the control of the ceasefire in Syria ended.
In the statement made by the Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan, it was stated that details of the implementation of the truce in Syria were discussed in technical discussions. "The aim is to establish a mechanism to control the implementation of the ceasefire," the spokesman said earlier in the meeting.
Chief of Staff of the Russian delegation, Deputy Chief of General Staff Stanislav Gadcimogamedov, told reporters that the discussions on the issues of providing the ceasefire in Syria, monitoring and control of the ceasefire effectively, and the prevention of provocations were discussed.
Gadcimogamedov also stated that "The delegations reiterated their readiness to continue co-operation in providing the armistice in Syria".
No information was given about the structure of the delegations and who they were formed in the negotiations held behind closed doors.
At a meeting of foreign ministers of Turkiye, Russia and Iran in Astana on 23 January, it was decided to establish a mechanism for the control of the ceasefire that entered into force on 30 December in Syria. It was planned that the UN peacekeeping missions, which had not been concluded before in Geneva, would be continued on 8 February. However, the UN Special Representative for Syria Staffan de Mistura noted that they have decided to suspend the Geneva talks to benefit from the indirect talks between the Syrian regime and the opponents in Astana.
Diplomatic sources say the Geneva talks could take place on February 20th.
ILKHA