Kazakhstan abruptly announces it will no longer host talks on Syria’s conflict. Russia is surprised
By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV
Associated Press
MOSCOW (AP) — Kazakhstan abruptly said it will stop hosting talks on the Syrian conflict that erupted 12 years ago. The decision on Wednesday was a surprise to Russia and other participants as they wrapped up the 20th round of talks in the capital, Astana. Since 2017, the former Soviet republic has provided a venue for talks to representatives of Russia, Turkey, Syria and Iran on ways to resolve Syria’s crisis. Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry said that the talks have fulfilled their mission and that “the initial goals, including the creation of de-escalation zones, ending the bloodshed and reducing the number of casualties have been fully implemented.” No decision has been made yet regarding a venue for future talks.