The second round of consultations between representatives of the Syrian opposition will be held in Kazakhstan’s Astana in mid-September,Tengrinews reports citing RIA Novosti with a reference to the leader of the Movement for the Pluralistic Society Randa Kassis.
“These are not negotiations between the opposition and the regime. The dialogue in Astana involves only the opposition. I hope that many (political) forces will attend the Astana-2, including the National Coalition,” Cassis said.
When asked whether representatives of the official Damascus would be invited, she replied: “No, they will not be invited.”
The Syrian opposition held the first round of talks in the capital of Kazakhstan on May 25-27. Following the meeting, representatives of various opposition groups of Syria emphasized the need for a united front against terrorism. In the text of the final declaration they called for withdrawal of all the militants who are not citizens of Syria and restoration of the country’s army.
Additionally, after the meeting in Astana, the Syrian opposition expressed hope that Kazakhstan would again provide a platform for negotiations.
Writing by Dinara Urazova, editing by Tatyana Kuzmina