Peace talks gathering the Syrian regime and opposition groups began Monday (January 23rd) in the Kazakh capital Astana, although the opposition bloc said they would not negotiate face-to-face with the regime in the first session, AFP reported.
Representatives from the two sides sat at the same round table as Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov delivered an opening speech.
Opposition spokesman Yehya al-Aridi said earlier Monday that the opposition was backing out of the first direct talks because of the regime's continued bombardment and attacks on a flashpoint area near Damascus.
It remains unclear whether the opposition could negotiate directly with the regime at a later session.
The opposition has said the talks would be focused on strengthening a frail nationwide ceasefire.
The regime has meanwhile pushed for a "comprehensive" political solution to the conflict and insisted the opposition lay down their arms in exchange for an amnesty deal.
