Unexpected exit from Syria talks in Astana: This is the last meeting

There was a surprising development regarding the meetings held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, for a solution in Syria for years.

The meeting in Astana, which was held between Turkey, Syria, Russia and Iran, started yesterday and continues today. The delegation headed by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Burak Akçapar represents Turkey at the meeting.

Syrian newspaper Al Vatan’s claim that Russia will present a timetable for Turkey’s withdrawal from Syria during the Astana talks was on the agenda yesterday. It was reported that the roadmap for the normalization of Syria-Turkey relations was discussed for the first time at the four-party meeting held yesterday on the sidelines of the Astana talks on Syria, which was held for the 20th time.

‘WE ACHIEVED THE PURPOSE’

While the talks are ongoing, Kazakhstan, which has hosted the Syria talks since 2017, suggested in a statement today that the Astana process should be completed. Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kanat Tumys called for an end to the talks, saying the goal was achieved in the Astana format.

“Syria’s gradual exit from isolation in the region can be seen as a sign that the Astana process has completed its task. Taking into account the return of Syria to the family of Arab countries, we propose that this meeting in Astana be officially declared as the last meeting, ”he said.

This statement contradicts the joint statement that the talks will continue towards the end of this year. The head of the Russian delegation, Alexander Lavrentyev, said: “We cannot say that the Astana process is over. But if the Kazakh side has decided that the talks should be moved to another place, we will consider it,” he said.

Russian officials also noted that talks on Syria could be held in Türkiye, Russia or Iran.