Russian-Iranian Disagreements about Astana Publicized
Taha Abed alWahed Asharq Al Awsat 22 January 2017
http://english.aawsat.com/2017/01/article55366031/russian-iranian-disagreements-astana-publicized

Moscow – Few days before the Syrian talks begin in Astana, Russian and
Iranian disagreements have surfaced especially after Moscow accusing Tehran
of complicating things, and stated that a settlement in Syria is not
possible without Washington.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, during an interview with Russia-1 Channel,
confirmed that Iran indeed refused the participation of the U.S. in the
talks. He added that Russia had invited U.S. representatives, which was also
announced by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

“We will welcome that [the participation of the U.S. in the talks]. The
situation is very complicated. You know that there is also Iran like a very
important player in the Syrian issue. Iranians are not welcoming this,”
Kremlin spokesman added.

Peskov also stated that any deals on Syria are unlikely to be reached at the
upcoming Astana talks, as too many parties are involved in the process.

“Any deals are unlikely to be reached there, as too many parties are
involved in the process,” Peskov said.

Peskov also stated the same during another interview with BBC. “So it is a
very complicated issue for a very careful play,” he described the situation.

This also happened as Washington announced that it won’t be sending a
delegation to Astana, and its representation will be limited to its
Ambassador to Kazakhstan, George Krol.

“Given our presidential inauguration and the immediate demands of the
transition, a delegation from Washington will not be attending the Astana
conference,” US State Department acting spokesman, Mark Toner said in a
statement, cited by Reuters.

In Riyadh, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Ahmed al-Jubeir met with the Chairman
of the high committee of the Syrian negotiations Riyad Hijab, where they
discussed the latest developments of the Syrian crisis and the international
efforts for solving it.

Meanwhile, Syrian regime and Hezbollah militia fighters continue to try to
enter village of Barada valley, northwest Damascus.

Osama Abu Zeid, member of the military delegation of the Syrian opposition
to Astana talks, said that the delegation met in Ankara with the Russian
delegation. He added that they stressed on commitment to the ceasefire.

Abu Zeid also explained to the Moscow delegation the details of regime and
Iran’s violations. He asked the Russian members to honor their commitments
and take responsibility for what is really happening in Barada valley.

Sources close to the matter in south of Damascus told Asharq Al-Awsat
newspaper that committee of families and rebels had informed the regime’s
delegation of the freezing of negotiations between them until Astana talks
are over.

Syrian regime had presented the opposition factions in that area with a
reconciliation agreement, which has been negotiated for days.