Syrian opposition talks begin in Astana

Today the whole world is anxiously watching the events taking place in the Middle East. The situation in Syria has become one of the most serious crises in the world and has gone beyond the regional problem. In order to resolve the situation in the country the efforts must be consolidated.

Kazakhstan supports the ongoing efforts of all interested parties inside and outside Syria under the auspices of the United Nations which are aimed at the early ending of violence and bloodshed, overcoming the acute humanitarian disaster, as well as determining the political future of the country through dialogue and reconciliation.

As it is known, earlier, representatives of the Syrian opposition asked Kazakhstan to mediate in the talks on the settlement of the Syrian crisis.

Being concerned about the severe humanitarian situation in the country and keeping a firm position that a decision of the conflict is only possible through peaceful means and only by the Syrians themselves, Kazakhstan has decided to provide a platform for dialogue between representatives of the Syrian opposition and has worked to create necessary conditions for successful talks.

At the same time, Kazakhstan hopes for continuation and effective conclusion of the negotiations among Syrians and other interested parties in the framework of the Geneva process and expects that the upcoming consultations in Astana will become an additional help for the success of the negotiations in Geneva.

The talks will be held behind closed doors. Thereafter, there will be a press conference held by its participants; the place and date of such a press conference is to be announced later, Kazinform refers to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.