Jan 17, 2017

Negotiations in Astana are a timid ray of hope to stop the Syrian conflict

by John Leslie

A new format of negotiations to be held in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana on January 23 is set to take into account the interests of all actors of the Syrian conflict.
At the same time, we should understand that it is impossible to save Syria in the way it was. The system is to be changed. Nevertheless, now it is difficult to say which of the negotiating sides can get more benefits. It can be seen by the results of the meeting. However, Syrian people are to win at any case. They are tired of poverty, misery and deaths. It is time to say stop and make real moves to save people’s lives.
Negotiations in Astana is a first step to regulate military actions and to put an end to the clash between Syrian troops and Syrian opposition. Bashar Assad told he is open for any dialog with opposition that represents the interests of Syria and Syrian people, but not Saudi Arabia, France and Britain.
On January 8, the Syrian government announced the readiness to negotiate at the proposed Astana peace talks and there are no limits for negotiations. A huge step for the future.
At the same time, the High Negotiations Committee said on January 14 it would extend its support to an anti-government military delegation attending the talks.
Nevertheless, the latest round of talks could provide a less contentious atmosphere for getting down to brass tacks. Past talks in Geneva have been hampered by objections from all sides that talks were biased in favor of the other.
Yet in spite of some difficulties in preparation of such meetings, there is potential for progress in Astana. However, solid peace in Syria is not going to be resolved just in one round of talks. It is one-step in a sequence towards peace. At the same time, if they succeed, both sides could continue using this platform for future negotiations to resolve the Syrian conflict.