Astana Process should remain a key platform for settlement of conflict in Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev

The XXI round of the Astana Process on Syria kicked off in the Kazakh capital. Russia's special envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentiev answered the questions of journalists and explained why the Astana Process which should have been ended last year resumed its work this year, Kazinform News Agency reports.

As you know Kazakhstan proposed ending the Astana process last June. We, the guarantor states of the Astana Process on Syria (Türkiye, Iran and Russia) explored this issue and concluded that “Astana should remain as a platform for negotiations’. Certainly, it was a request. Three countries addressed the authorities of Kazakhstan which means the Astana Process was resumed at the initiative of Türkiye, Iran and Russia, he said.

He added Kazakhstan’s activities in international affairs grow. The country’s contingent is taking part in the peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights. 139 military are engaged in the UN Mission in the Golan Heights. Russia’s peacekeepers also maintain stability in the region. He also expressed confidence cooperation between the countries will expand in this direction and benefit all.

He believes the Astana Process remains an efficient mechanism for the settlement of the conflict in Syria. It is obvious, there is a long way to go towards the settlement of the conflict as the level of confidence between the opposing parties is still low, he said.