Negotiators from Iran, Russia and Turkey gathered in Kazakhstan's capital Astana on Monday (May 14th) for two-day talks on a political settlement in Syria, AFP reported.
Foreign ministry spokesman Anuar Zhainakov confirmed Monday that delegations from the three powers and the Syrian regime had arrived in the capital and were locked in closed-door talks.
An opposition delegation was expected to arrive late Monday ahead of Tuesday's plenary session concluding the meeting, he said in a social media post.
UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura also was expected in the capital on Monday.
Since the Syria negotiations began in Astana last year, they have focused mostly on attempts to keep the Syrian regime and their opposition opponents at arm's length.
But any limited achievements in reducing hostilities stalled in February when regime forces allied with Moscow and Tehran began a devastating assault on Eastern Ghouta.
