An advisor to United Nations Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura, Vitaly Naumkin, told Russian media that the Astana talks should take place soon. Precisely, the UN expects the Russia, Turkey and Iran brokered talks to start before Donald Trump takes over the presidency of the United States on January 20.
Meanwhile, de Mistura said he supports the ceasefire in Syria which is to start on Thursday at 11 p.m. CET, and hopes it will protect the lives of civilians, ITV reported on Thursday. He added that he hopes negotiations between the Damascus government and the opposition will be productive.
A number of Syrian opposition groups have welcomed the truce, but Russia pointed out it excludes the Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra. The Kurdish YPG is also not part of the ceasefire.
Image: EPA / Stringer