Syria peace talks in Astana set for Jan 23: Russian diplomatic source

MOSCOW: Talks on Syria's political future will take place in Kazakhstan's capital Astana on Jan 23, a source in the Russian foreign ministry confirmed to AFP on Wednesday.
"At this time there is no indication that the meeting will be postponed. The date of Jan 23 is set," the source said of the negotiations to be hosted by Russia and Turkey between the Syrian government and rebel groups.
Russia and Turkey last month brokered a ceasefire in the ravaged country which was backed by the opposing sides in the protracted war but was done without the involvement of Washington, a negotiator in previous ceasefires.
The truce went into effect on Dec 30 and has brought calm to much of Syria though fighting continued in some places like the outskirts of Damascus amid disagreements over locations of jihadist groups which are not part of the ceasefire.
The diplomatic source said Wednesday that current preparations for the peace talks involve compiling a list of participants.
Some groups have already expressed concern over whether the meeting will be fully representative, with the Syrian Kurds, crucial Western allies in the Syrian war but despised by Turkey, on Tuesday saying they were not invited. — AFP