Syria peace talks in Astana set for January 23

Talks on Syria’s political future will take place in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana on January 23, a source in the Russian foreign ministry confirmed on Wednesday.

“At this time there is no indication that the meeting will be postponed. The date of January 23 is set,” the source told AFP 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 December 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.

The diplomatic source said that current preparations for the peace talks involve compiling a list of participants.