Kazakhstan expects 'productive' Syria meeting

By Aliia Raimbekova and Muhammed Shekh Yusuf

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (AA) - Kazakhstan expects a "productive" outcome from Thursday's Syria talks in Astana, Deputy Foreign Minister Akylbek Kamaldinov said Thursday.

"We believe this meeting will also be productive. We are sure that steps will be taken to implement cease-fire and achieve peace in Syria," Kamaldinov said.

Astana Thursday is hosting another round of intra-Syrian peace talks with representatives of Russia, Turkey, and Iran, who agreed last month to create a cease-fire monitoring group.

The January meeting in Astana saw the three countries agree to a trilateral mechanism for observing and ensuring compliance with a cease-fire which came into effect on Dec. 30.

"We hope a practical decision will be taken in today's meeting," Mohamed Alloush, head of the Syrian opposition delegation told Anadolu Agency before the meeting.

Alloush added this decision would be "positive" for the cease-fire, humanitarian situation and prisoners.

"Otherwise, joining meetings become meaningless," he said.

A news conference is expected to be held at the end of the meeting.