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| Syria conflict: Astana peace talks seek to reinforce truce | Syria conflict: Astana peace talks seek to reinforce truce |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| A second day of peace talks aimed at resolving the Syria conflict is under way in the Kazakh capital, Astana. | A second day of peace talks aimed at resolving the Syria conflict is under way in the Kazakh capital, Astana. |
| The indirect negotiations between the government and rebel groups, convened by Russia, Iran and Turkey, are focused on reinforcing a three-week-old cessation of hostilities. | The indirect negotiations between the government and rebel groups, convened by Russia, Iran and Turkey, are focused on reinforcing a three-week-old cessation of hostilities. |
| UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura said both sides were "not far" from a final declaration. | UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura said both sides were "not far" from a final declaration. |
| But rebel spokesman Yahya al-Aridi said "no agreements" would be signed. | But rebel spokesman Yahya al-Aridi said "no agreements" would be signed. |
| More than 300,000 people have been killed and 11 million others displaced since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in March 2011. | More than 300,000 people have been killed and 11 million others displaced since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in March 2011. |
| An initial draft communique seen by journalists on Monday included a proposal for the truce to be monitored by Russia and Iran, which back Mr Assad's government, and Turkey, which supports the opposition. | An initial draft communique seen by journalists on Monday included a proposal for the truce to be monitored by Russia and Iran, which back Mr Assad's government, and Turkey, which supports the opposition. |
| The "trilateral mechanism" would "observe and ensure full compliance with the ceasefire, prevent any provocation and determine all modalities", the Reuters news agency quoted it as saying. | The "trilateral mechanism" would "observe and ensure full compliance with the ceasefire, prevent any provocation and determine all modalities", the Reuters news agency quoted it as saying. |
| However, the Guardian reported that rebel officials objected to Iran having a role because of its support of militia groups which they accuse of repeatedly violating the cessation of hostilities. | However, the Guardian reported that rebel officials objected to Iran having a role because of its support of militia groups which they accuse of repeatedly violating the cessation of hostilities. |
| "If the guarantors want the success of this meeting they have to do something more on the ground," opposition negotiator Osama Abu Zaid told reporters. | |
| "There are pledges from the Russian side to reinforce the ceasefire in areas where there are continued violations, but we're waiting for more than just statements." | "There are pledges from the Russian side to reinforce the ceasefire in areas where there are continued violations, but we're waiting for more than just statements." |
| Government negotiator Bashar Jaafari earlier accused rebel groups of violating the truce and defending "war crimes" by the allied jihadist group Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, which is excluded from the initiative along with so-called Islamic State. | Government negotiator Bashar Jaafari earlier accused rebel groups of violating the truce and defending "war crimes" by the allied jihadist group Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, which is excluded from the initiative along with so-called Islamic State. |
| Mr Jaafari also denounced what he called "provocative" comments by his rebel counterpart, who described the Syrian government as a "terrorist entity". | Mr Jaafari also denounced what he called "provocative" comments by his rebel counterpart, who described the Syrian government as a "terrorist entity". |
| The talks in Astana are the first where the opposition delegation is formed exclusively of representatives of armed groups. | The talks in Astana are the first where the opposition delegation is formed exclusively of representatives of armed groups. |
| Aside from reinforcing the cessation of hostilities, Mr Aridi said the rebel delegation would push for the lifting of government sieges of opposition-held areas and "goodwill gestures", including the release of political detainees and aid deliveries. | Aside from reinforcing the cessation of hostilities, Mr Aridi said the rebel delegation would push for the lifting of government sieges of opposition-held areas and "goodwill gestures", including the release of political detainees and aid deliveries. |
| Mr Aridi added that it was hoped the meeting would "contribute" to the UN-brokered negotiations on a political settlement that are due to resume in Geneva next month. | Mr Aridi added that it was hoped the meeting would "contribute" to the UN-brokered negotiations on a political settlement that are due to resume in Geneva next month. |
| They broke down last April with little progress having been made. | They broke down last April with little progress having been made. |