Syrian peace process#First round of Astana talks (January 2017)

File:VOA Arrott - A View of Syria, Under Government Crackdown 09.jpg monitors in Damascus on 17 January 2012]]

{{Main|Arab League peace plans for Syria}}

In November 2011–January 2012, the Arab League (AL) twice tried to accomplish an end to Syrian government (and opposition) violence and convince both parties to start talks instead of fighting.

After the Syrian government's agreement to the AL plan of 19 December the AL sent a monitoring mission to Syria. Violence continued and Saudi Arabia on 22 January withdrew its monitors from the mission, and called on Russia, China and all other states to pressure Syria strongly to adhere to the AL peace plan. The Arab League on 28 January 2012 ended its monitoring mission.

{{See also|Russian involvement in the Syrian civil war}}

On 30 January 2012, the Russian foreign ministry suggested "informal" talks in Moscow between the Syrian government and opposition, and said the Syrian authorities had already agreed to the Russian offer.

Abdel Baset Seda, a member of the Syrian National Council's executive committee, told Reuters that the SNC had not received any formal invitation for such talks, but would decline if one arrived: "Our position has not changed and it is that there is no dialogue with (President Bashar al-Assad)".{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/01/30/191474.html|title=Russia says Syria agrees to peace talks with opposition amid mounting pressures|date=30 January 2012|access-date=29 November 2013|publisher=Al Arabiya|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203030948/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/01/30/191474.html|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=dead}}

In February 2012, Martti Ahtisaari held talks with envoys of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. During those discussions, the Russian ambassador, Vitaly Churkin, proposed a three-point plan that would bring the Syrian government and opposition to the negotiation table and result in Assad stepping down as president. But, according to Ahtisaari, the US, Britain, and France rejected that proposal, being convinced that fall of Assad's government was inevitable. "It was an opportunity lost in 2012," he said in an interview in September 2015. Other Western diplomats refute Ahtisaari's claims, with one stating, "I very much doubt the P3 [the US, UK and France] refused or dismissed any such strategy offer at the time. The questions were more to do with sequencing—the beginning or end of process—and with Russia's ability to deliver—to get Assad to step down."{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/15/west-ignored-russian-offer-in-2012-to-have-syrias-assad-step-aside|title=West 'ignored Russian offer in 2012 to have Syria's Assad step aside'|date=15 September 2015|access-date=17 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008083307/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/15/west-ignored-russian-offer-in-2012-to-have-syrias-assad-step-aside|archive-date=8 October 2016|url-status=live}}

On 7 November 2013, Russia again announced it was trying to broker talks in Moscow between the Syrian government and opposition, seeing that the U.S. and Russian negotiators failed to agree on whether or not Assad should be forced out of office.[https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/11/07/syria-peace-talks-chemical-weapons/3464091/ Canceled Syria talks may get new start in Moscow] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019090618/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/11/07/syria-peace-talks-chemical-weapons/3464091/ |date=19 October 2017}}, USA Today, 7 November 2013. Retrieved 25 November 2013. Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Bogdanov said, the Moscow talks could focus on humanitarian problems as well on some political issues.

{{main|Friends of Syria Group}}

In February 2012, the then French President Nicolas Sarkozy initiated an international "contact group" to find a solution for the Syrian conflict, after Russia and China had vetoed a 4 February 2012 UN Security Council resolution.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-france-idUSTRE8130QV20120204|title=France, partners planning Syria crisis group: Sarkozy|newspaper=Reuters|date=4 February 2012|access-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704223030/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/04/us-syria-france-idUSTRE8130QV20120204|archive-date=4 July 2013|url-status=live}} The group held four meetings, all in the year 2012.

{{main|Kofi Annan Syrian peace plan}}

The Kofi Annan peace plan (Joint Special Envoy for the United Nations and the Arab League),{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2012/sc10583.doc.htm|title=Six-Point Proposal Presented to Syrian Authorities|date=21 March 2012|access-date=11 April 2012|publisher=UN Security Council|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412191614/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2012/sc10583.doc.htm|archive-date=12 April 2012|url-status=live}} launched in March 2012, intended to commit both the Syrian government and opposition to a cease fire and commit the Syrian government to initiate deliberations with the opposition on their aspirations and concerns. After Annan on 12 April had assumed that both parties had agreed to a cease fire, the UN already on 1 May had to admit that both parties were violating it.

An "action group" conference (now referred to as Geneva I Conference on Syria) was held on Saturday 30 June 2012, in Geneva, initiated by the then UN peace envoy to Syria Kofi Annan, and attended by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, a representative of China, British Foreign Secretary Hague, and Kofi Annan.{{Cite news|title=UN envoy calls for transitional government in Syria|publisher=BBC|date=30 June 2012|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18650775|access-date=26 November 2013|work=BBC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910203127/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18650775|archive-date=10 September 2013|url-status=live}} Mr Annan, issuing a communiqué,{{cite web|title=Final communiqué of the Action Group for Syria - Geneva, Saturday 30 June 2012|publisher=UNO|date=30 June 2012|url=http://www.unog.ch/80256EDD006B9C2E/%28httpNewsByYear_en%29/18F70DBC923963B1C1257A2D0060696B?OpenDocument|access-date=24 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140129025023/http://www.unog.ch/80256EDD006B9C2E/%28httpNewsByYear_en%29/18F70DBC923963B1C1257A2D0060696B?OpenDocument|archive-date=29 January 2014|url-status=dead}} said that the conference agreed{{cite web|title=Concluding remarks by Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan at the Meeting of Action Group on Syria - Geneva, 30June2012|publisher=UN.NewsCentre|date=30 June 2012|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/infocus/Syria/press.asp?NewsID=1236&sID=41|access-date=25 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140129092909/http://www.un.org/apps/news/infocus/Syria/press.asp?NewsID=1236&sID=41|archive-date=29 January 2014|url-status=live}} on the need for a "transitional government body with full executive powers" which could include members of the present Syrian government and of the opposition. William Hague said that all five permanent members of the UN Security Council—the US, Russia, China, France and the UK—supported Mr Annan's efforts. Clinton however suggested that Syrian dictator Assad could, in such transitional government, not remain in power, which immediately was contradicted by Lavrov.

The Geneva talks were condemned by Ahrar al-Sham leader Hassan Abboud.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/HassanAbboud_Ah/status/392019662311288832 |last=عبود |first=حسان |title=حسان عبود on Twitter: "وفي جنيفَ جنفٌ عن الحق إلى الباطل. ولا يجنف إلا كل معتد أثيم." |date=20 October 2013 |website=Twitter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315054844/https://twitter.com/HassanAbboud_Ah/status/392019662311288832 |archive-date=15 March 2017 |url-status=live}}

During the 16th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement held from 26 to 31 August 2012 in Tehran, Iran and attended by leaders of 120 countries, Iran intended to draw up a new peace resolution aiming to resolve the Syrian civil war.{{Cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/video/2012-08/26/c_131808319.htm |title=Non-Aligned Movement summit opens in Tehran |date=26 August 2012 |website=Xinhua | English.news.cn |access-date=12 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822040221/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/video/2012-08/26/c_131808319.htm |archive-date=22 August 2014 |url-status=dead}} but a consensus was not reached between the leaders.

{{See also|Lakhdar Brahimi Syrian peace plan}}

Lakhdar Brahimi, an Algerian diplomat, appointed on 1 September 2012, as the new UN–Arab League special representative for Syria, appealed on both the Syrian government and the armed opposition to stop the killing during the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, which fell that year probably on 26 October 2012, and 3 or 4 days after it. Government and most of the opposition groups said 'yes' to his appeal. Yet, according to Brahimi, the lull in the fighting lasted very short, after which both parties accused the other of not having stopped its violence.{{cite web|last =Politically Speaking|title =Syria, a civil, sectarian and proxy war|publisher =The Elders|date =22 August 2013|url =https://theelders.org/article/syria-civil-sectarian-and-proxy-war|access-date =24 November 2013|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130908191608/http://theelders.org/article/syria-civil-sectarian-and-proxy-war|archive-date =8 September 2013|url-status =dead|df =dmy-all}}

{{main|Geneva II Conference on Syria}}

The Geneva II Middle East peace conference was a United Nations-backed international (peace) conference, aimed at bringing Syrian government and opposition together to discuss a transitional government. Lakhdar Brahimi, UN special envoy to Syria, tried to pursue the conference in close cooperation with the U.S. and Russia. It started on 22 January 2014 and ended on 31 January; no agreement was reached.{{cite web |date=22 January 2014 |title=BBC News – What is the Geneva II conference on Syria? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24628442 |access-date=23 January 2014 |work=BBC}}

In early April, Randa Kassis asked the Kazakh President to host talks in Astana. The President Nursultan Nazarbayev accepted the proposal.{{Cite web|url = https://astanatimes.com/2015/05/syrian-opposition-meeting-in-astana-makes-tentative-headway-in-finding-way-forward-for-peace-process/|title = Syrian Opposition Meeting in Astana Makes Tentative Headway in Finding Way Forward for Peace Process|date = 29 May 2015|access-date = 7 June 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190607105706/https://astanatimes.com/2015/05/syrian-opposition-meeting-in-astana-makes-tentative-headway-in-finding-way-forward-for-peace-process/|archive-date = 7 June 2019|url-status = live}} This initiative has been criticized by some of Syrian Opposition members.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/21/common-ground-on-syria-unites-russia-and-turkey-against-the-west|title=Common ground on Syria unites Russia and Turkey against the west|first=Patrick|last=Wintour|date=21 December 2016|newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=7 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607111219/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/21/common-ground-on-syria-unites-russia-and-turkey-against-the-west|archive-date=7 June 2019|url-status=live}}

On 25—27 May 2015, a number of Syrian Opposition groups convened in Astana, Kazakhstan{{Cite web|url=http://pressmia.ru/pressclub/20150409/950065900.html|title=Межсирийские консультации в Москве: итоги работы|date=9 April 2015|website=Международный мультимедийный пресс-центр МИА «Россия сегодня»|access-date=20 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511141248/http://pressmia.ru/pressclub/20150409/950065900.html|archive-date=11 May 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Syrian Opposition Meeting in Astana Makes Tentative Headway in Finding Way Forward for Peace Process|url=http://astanatimes.com/2015/05/syrian-opposition-meeting-in-astana-makes-tentative-headway-in-finding-way-forward-for-peace-process/|agency=Astana Times|access-date=20 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202015211/http://astanatimes.com/2015/05/syrian-opposition-meeting-in-astana-makes-tentative-headway-in-finding-way-forward-for-peace-process/|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=live}} The Syrian government chose not to attend.{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/06/russia-syria-conflict-strategy-moscow-meetings.html|title=Russia mulls strategy to solve Syrian conflict|date=3 June 2015|access-date=11 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508152543/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/06/russia-syria-conflict-strategy-moscow-meetings.html|archive-date=8 May 2017|url-status=live}}

A second conference was held in Astana on 2–4 October 2015; the assembled Opposition groups adopted a declaration that called for the parliamentary election scheduled for 2016 to be held under the supervision of the international community; Nursultan Nazarbayev was asked to step in as a mediator in the Syrian conflict.[https://regnum.ru/news/polit/1984197.html Сирийская оппозиция провела конференцию в Астане] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009223825/https://regnum.ru/news/polit/1984197.html |date=9 October 2017}} Regnum.Ru, 4 October 2015.{{cite news|title=Second round of Syrian opposition talks begins in Astana|url=http://vestnikkavkaza.net/news/Second-round-of-Syrian-opposition-talks-begins-in-Astana.html|agency=vestnikkavkaza|access-date=22 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202002136/http://vestnikkavkaza.net/news/Second-round-of-Syrian-opposition-talks-begins-in-Astana.html|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=live}}[https://ria.ru/world/20151004/1296432701.html Сирийская оппозиция подписала итоговую декларацию конференции в Астане] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702070247/https://ria.ru/world/20151004/1296432701.html |date=2 July 2017}} RIA Novosti, 4 October 2015.

The talks were mediated by Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Askar Mussinov and Director of the French Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs Fabien Baussart. Mme Gulshara Abdykalikova, the Secretary of State of Kazakhstan opened the talks in Astana.{{Cite web|url=https://astanatimes.com/2015/10/representatives-of-syrian-opposition-meet-in-astana/|title=Representatives of Syrian Opposition Meet in Astana|first=Malika|last=Orazgaliyeva|date=6 October 2015|website=The Astana Times|access-date=20 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709163755/https://astanatimes.com/2015/10/representatives-of-syrian-opposition-meet-in-astana/|archive-date=9 July 2019|url-status=live}}

The Four committees initiative is a proposal put forward by United Nations envoy Staffan de Mistura on 29 July 2015 as a way to start the peace process in the Syrian civil war.{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/un-chief-takes-aim-russia-over-syria-military-buildup-12277331|title=UN chief takes aim at Russia over Syria military buildup|access-date=11 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010015300/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/un-chief-takes-aim-russia-over-syria-military-buildup-12277331|archive-date=10 October 2017|url-status=live}} There had been no peace talks on Syria since the Geneva II meetings in early 2014 ended in failure.{{cite news| url=https://news.yahoo.com/un-envoy-present-syria-peace-proposals-224458955.html| title=UN envoy to present new Syria peace proposals| publisher=Yahoo News| date=10 July 2015| access-date=15 January 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124070213/http://news.yahoo.com/un-envoy-present-syria-peace-proposals-224458955.html| archive-date=24 January 2016| url-status=live}}

{{main|2015 Zabadani cease-fire agreement}}

In September 2015 Hezbollah, an ally of the Syrian government, announced a six-month truce between the rebel-held town of Zabadani near Damascus and two Shia towns in the north-west of Syria. The deal was reached after mediation from Iran.[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/09/hezbollah-announces-truce-covering-syrian-towns-150926033153112.html 'Hezbollah announces truce covering three Syrian towns'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928172801/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/09/hezbollah-announces-truce-covering-syrian-towns-150926033153112.html |date=28 September 2015}}. Al Jazeera, 26 September 2015. Retrieved 24 October 2015.

{{Further|Syria peace talks in Vienna}}

On 23 October 2015, the Foreign Ministers of the United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met and talked in Vienna, Austria, to find a way to end the Syrian conflict.Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, 24 October 2015.{{Full citation needed|date=January 2016}}

On 30 October 2015, the first round of the Syria peace talks were held in Vienna with foreign ministers of 20 countries participating: U.S., Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, China, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany and other countries. The ministers agreed on the need of the Syrian government and opposition to start political talks.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34673535|title=Syria conflict: Powers backing rivals meet in Vienna|work=BBC|access-date=30 October 2015|date=30 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030044449/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34673535|archive-date=30 October 2015|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-iran-idUSKCN0SM14C20151028|title=Arch-rivals Saudi Arabia, Iran to discuss Syria face-to-face for first time|date=28 October 2015|access-date=11 July 2017|newspaper=Reuters|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705172450/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-iran-idUSKCN0SM14C20151028|archive-date=5 July 2017|url-status=live}} The second round of the Vienna talks held in mid-November produced an agreement on the need to convene Syrian government and opposition representatives in formal negotiations under UN auspices with a target date of 1 January 2016.{{cite web|url=http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2015/151114_03_en.htm|title=Statement of the International Syria Support Group|work=Official website of the European Union|access-date=16 November 2015|date=14 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827204808/http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2015/151114_03_en.htm|archive-date=27 August 2016|url-status=live}}

A day after a meeting of anti-government factions, including Ahrar ash-Sham, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 10 December produced a statement of principles to guide peace talks with the Syrian government,{{Cite web |url=http://www.spa.gov.sa/viewphotonews.php?id=1428039&pic= |title=Syrian revolution and opposition forces express their commitment to the Syrian unity |access-date=15 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151217113906/http://www.spa.gov.sa/viewphotonews.php?id=1428039&pic= |archive-date=17 December 2015 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35060935|title=Syria conflict: Opposition agrees framework for peace talks|publisher=BBC|access-date=12 December 2015|date=10 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212030252/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35060935|archive-date=12 December 2015|url-status=live}} Syrian president Bashar Assad said he would not negotiate with "foreign terrorists."{{cite news|url=http://www.dw.com/en/assad-says-he-wont-step-down-wont-negotiate-with-terrorists/a-18913228|title=Assad says he won't step down, won't negotiate with 'terrorists'|publisher=DW|access-date=12 December 2015|date=11 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212174500/http://www.dw.com/en/assad-says-he-wont-step-down-wont-negotiate-with-terrorists/a-18913228|archive-date=12 December 2015|url-status=live}} Russia also rejected the outcome of the meeting in Riyadh, which it said was unrepresentative and included terrorist groups.

After John Kerry visited Moscow where he met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov as well as Vladimir Putin on 15 December, it was announced that on 18 December 2015 world powers would meet in New York to pass a UN resolution endorsing the principles of the Syria peace process.{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35099060 |title= Syria conflict: US and Russia signal new push at UN |publisher= BBC |access-date= 16 December 2015 |date= 15 December 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151216043600/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35099060 |archive-date= 16 December 2015 |url-status= live}}

On 18 December 2015, the UN Security Council, having overcome the gridlock on Syria that had persisted since October 2011,[https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=39935#.VnVyc9dgJMw Russia and China veto draft Security Council resolution on Syria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629175424/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=39935#.VnVyc9dgJMw |date=29 June 2017}} UN website, 4 October 2011.{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/05/world/middleeast/syria-homs-death-toll-said-to-rise.html?_r=0 |title= Russia and China Block U.N. Action on Crisis in Syria |work= The New York Times |access-date= 19 December 2015 |date= 4 February 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171114221835/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/05/world/middleeast/syria-homs-death-toll-said-to-rise.html?_r=0 |archive-date= 14 November 2017 |url-status= live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/23/russian-vetoes-putting-un-security-council-legitimacy-at-risk-says-us|title=Russian vetoes are putting UN security council's legitimacy at risk, says US|work=The Guardian|access-date=10 January 2016|date=23 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517013841/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/23/russian-vetoes-putting-un-security-council-legitimacy-at-risk-says-us|archive-date=17 May 2019|url-status=live}} unanimously passed Resolution 2254 (2015), endorsing the ISSG's transitional plan that set out a timetable for formal talks and a unity government within six months; the resolution put UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura in charge of organising Syria talks.{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sc12171.doc.htm|title=Security Council Unanimously Adopts Resolution 2254 (2015), Endorsing Road Map for Peace Process in Syria, Setting Timetable for Talks|work=The UN website|access-date=19 December 2015|date=18 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222031140/http://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sc12171.doc.htm|archive-date=22 December 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35138011|title= Syria war: UN Security Council unanimously backs peace plan|publisher= BBC|access-date= 19 December 2015|date= 18 December 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151218194429/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35138011|archive-date= 18 December 2015|url-status= live}} However, the major powers remained divided on who should represent the Syrian opposition; no mention was made of the future role of Syrian President Bashar Assad.{{cite news|url= http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-un-idUKKBN0U10J020151219|title= U.N. endorses Syria peace plan in rare show of unity among big powers|publisher= Reuters|access-date= 19 December 2015|date= 19 December 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151219170317/http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-un-idUKKBN0U10J020151219|archive-date= 19 December 2015|url-status= dead}}{{cite news |url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/12/18/syria-talks-falter-before-they-begin-as-key-players-struggle-to-agree-key.html |title=Differences remain as key sides meet for Syria talks |publisher=Aljazeera |access-date=19 December 2015 |date=18 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218213019/http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/12/18/syria-talks-falter-before-they-begin-as-key-players-struggle-to-agree-key.html |archive-date=18 December 2015 |url-status=live}}

{{main|Syrian Negotiation Commission}}

On 10 December 2015, a two-day meeting started in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, aiming at unifying Syria's opposition groups and forming an opposition delegation for the planned negotiations with the Syrian government (see Syria peace talks in Vienna 14 November 2015 meeting).

Syrian Kurdish factions were not represented at the meeting in Riyadh.[http://www.ibtimes.com/syria-talks-rebel-negotiations-saudi-arabia-exclude-key-players-syrian-opposition-2223287 'Syria Talks: Rebel Negotiations In Saudi Arabia Exclude Key Players In Syrian Opposition'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202124330/http://www.ibtimes.com/syria-talks-rebel-negotiations-saudi-arabia-exclude-key-players-syrian-opposition-2223287 |date=2 February 2016}}. International Business Times, 13 December 2015. Retrieved 27 January 2016.

Jabhat al-Nusra had not been invited because of its assumed 'terrorist links' or al-Qaeda ties.

An agreement emerged on 12 December: 34 opposition groups and individuals allied themselves as the High Negotiations Committee.NRC Handelsblad, 26 January 2016. Full citation (translated from Dutch): "Late last year, Saudi Arabia has forged an alliance of 34 groups that should represent the whole opposition at the negotiations – the High Negotiation Committee. (...) In the lead up to the peace talks, Saudi Arabia has forged an alliance of 34 political and armed groups that should represent the opposition in Geneva. But that alliance does by far not include all Syrian opposition groups. The alliance is being supported by France, Turkey and Qatar. But Russia objects to the fact that radical islamic groups as Ahrar al-Sham and Jaish al-Islam are part of the alliance. (...) Turkey supports the High Negotiation Committee and fiercely opposes participation of Syrian Kurds." This included, among others, Ahrar al-Sham and Jaysh al-Islam, but did not include Syrian Kurds and not include some moderate opposition members supported by Russia. NRC Handelsblad, 30 January 2016. Full citation (from the Dutch): "...only the delegation of the regime and some members of the moderate opposition supported by Russia had come down to Geneva". Two of the 34 members are women, augmented by a women-only advisory body known as the Women's Consultative Committee.{{Cite web|url=http://www.passblue.com/2016/05/10/how-syrian-women-landed-at-the-un-peace-talks-and-what-it-all-means/|title=How Syrian Women Landed at the UN Peace Talks and What It All Means|website=passblue|access-date=6 September 2016|date=10 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913162904/http://www.passblue.com/2016/05/10/how-syrian-women-landed-at-the-un-peace-talks-and-what-it-all-means/|archive-date=13 September 2016|url-status=live}}

France announced that the Syrian opposition had reached an agreement and had "adopted a common program" in Riyadh. Apart from France and Saudi Arabia, also Turkey and Qatar supported that High Negotiation Committee.

The High Negotiation Committee was tasked with identifying 15 individuals willing and able to serve on the official opposition delegation to the Geneva III negotiations, of which 3 were women.

Russia however said that those gathered in Riyadh did not represent all opposition groups and therefore were not in a position to speak on behalf of the entire Syrian opposition.[http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/2015/12/12/Saudi-hails-Syrian-opposition-meeting-breakthrough-.html 'Saudi hails Syrian opposition meet 'breakthrough] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151214234834/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/2015/12/12/Saudi-hails-Syrian-opposition-meeting-breakthrough-.html |date=14 December 2015}}. Al Arabiya News'', 12 December 2015. Retrieved 27 January 2016.

{{main|Geneva Peace Conference (2016)}}

On Friday, 29 January 2016, a UN Peace Conference for Syria started in Geneva in Switzerland. At the first day, Syrian government and opposition refused to sit in the same room together. On 3 February 2016, UN envoy Staffan de Mistura suspended the peace talks.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35489237|title=Syria conflict: Sides trade blame over talks' suspension|work=BBC|access-date=24 February 2016|date=4 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208043516/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35489237|archive-date=8 February 2016|url-status=live}}

Russian foreign minister Lavrov commented that "the [Syrian] opposition took a completely unconstructive position and tried to put forward preconditions".{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}}

Rebel commanders were cited as saying they hoped the peace talks' collapse would "convince their foreign backers, states including Turkey and Saudi Arabia, that it was time to send them more powerful and advanced weapons, including anti-aircraft missiles".{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/backed-by-russian-jets-syrian-army-closes-in-on-aleppo_us_56b37778e4b08069c7a63e09|title=Backed By Russian Jets, Syrian Army Closes In On Aleppo|agency=Reuters|access-date=24 February 2016|date=4 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019053518/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/backed-by-russian-jets-syrian-army-closes-in-on-aleppo_us_56b37778e4b08069c7a63e09|archive-date=19 October 2017|url-status=live}}

UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura announced appointment of a 12-woman advisory body, name the Women's Advisory Board (or "WAB" for short) on 2 February 2016.{{Cite web|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/office-special-envoy-syria-press-statement-2-february-2016-enar|title=Office of the Special Envoy for Syria Press Statement, 2 February 2016 [EN/AR]|date=2 February 2016|access-date=6 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916183312/http://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/office-special-envoy-syria-press-statement-2-february-2016-enar|archive-date=16 September 2016|url-status=live}} WAB members include opposition, government sympathizers, and Islamist-tending women. The WAB, however, is politically unaffiliated; the board does not participate directly in the negotiations but does advise the UN mediator on all proceedings.

The WAB has been criticized for the lack of transparency in member selection, with allegations that it is unrepresentative. The Syrian Women's Network went as far as to withdraw from the WAB based on these critiques.{{Cite web|url=https://syriaaccountability.org/updates/2016/04/07/the-controversy-over-the-syrian-womens-advisory-board/|title=The Controversy over the Syrian Women's Advisory Board|date=7 April 2016 |access-date=6 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916185804/https://syriaaccountability.org/updates/2016/04/07/the-controversy-over-the-syrian-womens-advisory-board/|archive-date=16 September 2016|url-status=live}}

{{See also|Syrian Civil War ceasefires#Partial ceasefire (26 February–July 2016)}}

On 12 February 2016, the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) established an ISSG ceasefire task force, under the auspices of the UN, co-chaired by Russia and the United States, and issued a joint communique saying inter alia: "An ISSG task force will within one week elaborate modalities for a nationwide cessation of hostilities."

On 22 February 2016, in Munich, foreign ministers of Russia and the U.S., as co-chairs of the ISSG,{{cite web|title=Joint Statement of the United States and the Russian Federation, as Co-Chairs of the ISSG, on Cessation of Hostilities in Syria|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2016/02/253115.htm|publisher=U.S. Department of State|date=22 February 2016|access-date=25 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418104358/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2016/02/253115.htm|archive-date=18 April 2017|url-status=live}} announced that they had concluded a deal to seek a nationwide cessation of hostilities in Syria to begin a week later.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35556783|title=Syria war pause plan agreed by world powers|website=BBC News|access-date=11 July 2017|date=12 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911172158/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35556783|archive-date=11 September 2016|url-status=live}} The deal set out the Terms for a Cessation of Hostilities in Syria. Russia and the U.S. proposed that the cessation of hostilities commence at 00:00 (Damascus time) on 27 February 2016.

The ISSG countries are supposed to monitor compliance with the terms of the truce, which was pronounced as of 29 February 2016, when the ISSG task force met in Geneva, to be largely holding.{{Cite news|title=Syria ceasefire task force meets, France wants answers on violations|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-france-idUSKCN0W213R|agency=Reuters|date=29 February 2016|newspaper=Reuters|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624043819/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-france-idUSKCN0W213R|archive-date=24 June 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS FOR CONTINUATION OF CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES IN SYRIA|url=https://www.un.org/sg/spokesperson/highlights/|publisher=UN|date=29 February 2016|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630183157/http://www.un.org/sg/spokesperson/highlights/|archive-date=30 June 2016|url-status=live}}

{{main|U.S.–Russia peace proposals on Syria#September 2016 US-Russia brokered ceasefire}}

On 10 September 2016, Russia and U.S. reached a deal on establishing a cease fire between the Syrian Assad government and a US-supported coalition of so-called 'mainstream Syrian opposition rebel groups' including umbrella group 'High Negotiations Committee' (HNC), effective from 12 September, while jointly agreeing to continue attacks on Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (former al-Nusra Front) and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/syria-civil-war-russia-clinch-syria-deal-160910031517683.html 'Syria's civil war: US and Russia clinch ceasefire deal'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426104457/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/syria-civil-war-russia-clinch-syria-deal-160910031517683.html |date=26 April 2019}}. Al Jazeera, 11 September 2016. Retrieved 26 September 2016.

After US-led coalition airstrikes on Syrian Army troops on 17 September, of which the US claimed it was an accident, the Syrian government declared the ceasefire to be over.

On 15 October, the U.S., Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and Iran had talks about the Syrian war, in Lausanne, Switzerland.Teletext of the Dutch Broadcast Foundation, retrieved 16 October 2016.

In mid-December 2016, Vladimir Putin of Russia and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey agreed to suggest Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, as a new venue for carrying on the Syria peace talks.[https://ria.ru/spravka/20170503/1493513888.html Переговоры в Астане по урегулированию конфликта в Сирии] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513231231/https://ria.ru/spravka/20170503/1493513888.html |date=13 May 2017}} RIA Novosti, 3 May 2017.

On 20 December 2016, the foreign ministers of Iran, Turkey, and Russia agreed, pursuant to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 (Dec. 2015), to hold Syria peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan.{{cite web|url=http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/2573489|title=Совместное заявление министров иностранных дел Исламской Республики Иран, Российской Федерации, Турецкой Республики по согласованным мерам, направленным на оживление политического процесса с целью прекращения сирийского конфликта, Москва, 20 декабря 2016 года|website=www.mid.ru|access-date=11 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009223143/http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/2573489|archive-date=9 October 2017|url-status=live}}

On 28 December 2016, Turkey and Russia agreed on a nationwide ceasefire plan for Syria to go into effect at 00:00 on 30 December 2016.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/28/turkey-russia-broker-ceasefire-deal-syria/|title=Turkey and Russia 'broker ceasefire deal for all of Syria'|work=AFP|date=28 December 2016|agency=Agence France-Presse|access-date=5 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191005070935/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/28/turkey-russia-broker-ceasefire-deal-syria/|archive-date=5 October 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://undocs.org/S/2016/1133|title=S/2016/1133 - E|website=undocs.org|access-date=11 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501064311/http://undocs.org/S/2016/1133|archive-date=1 May 2017|url-status=live}} The Syrian Democratic Council—representing the Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance of Kurdish, Arab and Syriac militias mostly led by YPG—was not invited to the talks.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-constitution-idUSKBN14H0X3?il=0|title=Syrian Kurds, allies set to approve new government blueprint|newspaper=Reuters|date=28 December 2016|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805015106/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-constitution-idUSKBN14H0X3?il=0|archive-date=5 August 2017|url-status=live}} ISIL, the al-Nusra Front, and the YPG were excluded from the ceasefire, and the following rebel groups signed up for the truce:

• Sham Legion
• Ahrar al-Sham
• Jaysh al-Islam
• Free Idlib Army
• Levant Front
• Jabhat Ahl al-Sham

However, the Ahrar al-Sham spokesman denied having signed the deal.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38463021|title=Syria conflict: Russia-Turkey brokered truce comes into force|work=BBC|date=30 December 2016|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928123659/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38463021|archive-date=28 September 2019|url-status=live}}

The political efforts by Russia and Turkey were endorsed by the UN Resolution 2336 adopted 31 December 2016.{{cite web|url=http://unscr.com/en/resolutions/doc/2336|title=Resolution 2336|website=unscr.com|access-date=11 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212093704/http://unscr.com/en/resolutions/doc/2336|archive-date=12 December 2017|url-status=live}}

File:Alexander Lavrentyev (139509281608353889483984).jpg

File:International Meeting on Syrian Settlement in Astana.png

On 23 January 2017, a Syrian opposition delegation that included twelve rebel factions convened with Syria's government delegation, headed by Bashar Jaafari, in Astana for indirect talks titled the International Meeting on Syrian Settlement, sponsored by Russia, Turkey and Iran.{{cite news|title=Russia takes power-broking role as Syria peace talks to begin in Astana|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/22/russia-syria-talks-astana-kazakhstan-|agency=The Guardian|access-date=22 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122211251/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/22/russia-syria-talks-astana-kazakhstan-|archive-date=22 January 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Syria conflict: War of words as peace talks open in Astana |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-38714441 |access-date=3 January 2021 |work=BBC News |date=24 January 2017}} Astana was agreed on as the venue, since it was viewed as neutral by all the parties involved.{{cite news|title=Astana talks to fortify Syria ceasefire accord|url=http://www.geopolmonitor.com/astana-talks-fortify-syria-ceasefire-accord/|access-date=22 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803082746/http://www.geopolmonitor.com/astana-talks-fortify-syria-ceasefire-accord/|archive-date=3 August 2019|url-status=dead}} The opposition side included Mohammed Alloush, the political leader of Jaysh al-Islam,[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38714441 Syria conflict: War of words as peace talks open in Astana] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429082252/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38714441 |date=29 April 2018}} BBC, 24 January 2017. which Russia had proposed designating as a terrorist organisation.

The start of talks in Astana was described as the "Astana-isation" of the Geneva talks, implying a shift towards the Syrian opposition conducting military operations and away from Syrians with only political influence.{{cite news|title=Syria peace talks: Armed groups come in from the cold|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-38712444|agency=BBC|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510190651/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-38712444|archive-date=10 May 2018|url-status=live}} The talks took place on 23 and 24 January; the first day ended without the sides reaching an agreement.{{cite web | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/syria-talks-in-kazakhstan-get-rough-start-1485185648 | title=Syria Talks in Kazakhstan Get Rough Start | publisher=The Wall Street Journal | date=23 January 2017 | access-date=24 January 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124025318/http://www.wsj.com/articles/syria-talks-in-kazakhstan-get-rough-start-1485185648 | archive-date=24 January 2017 | url-status=live}} The "Astana Process" talks aimed to support the framework in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution 2254,{{cite web|title=Outcomes of International Meeting on Syria|url=http://mfa.gov.kz/index.php/en/last-news/8144-kazakhstan-foreign-ministry-s-statement-on-outcomes-of-international-meeting-on-syria|website=MFA|access-date=24 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203025628/http://mfa.gov.kz/index.php/en/last-news/8144-kazakhstan-foreign-ministry-s-statement-on-outcomes-of-international-meeting-on-syria|archive-date=3 February 2017|url-status=dead}} and ended on the 24th with an agreement between Iran, Russia, and Turkey to form a joint monitoring body to work to enforce the Resolution 2254 ceasefire.{{Cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/24/syria-talks-astana-russia-turkey-iran-ceasefire | title=Sponsors of Syria talks in Astana strike deal to protect fragile ceasefire | newspaper=The Guardian | date=24 January 2017 | access-date=25 January 2017 | last1=Wintour | first1=Patrick | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124153543/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/24/syria-talks-astana-russia-turkey-iran-ceasefire | archive-date=24 January 2017 | url-status=live}}

After the talks in January 2017, Russia offered a draft for a future constitution of Syria, which would inter alia turn the "Syrian Arab Republic" into the "Republic of Syria", introduce decentralized authorities as well as elements of federalism like "association areas", strengthen the parliament at the cost of the presidency, and realize secularism by abolishing Islamic jurisprudence as a source of legislation.{{cite news|title=Syria Opposition Rejects Russian Draft of New Constitution|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-01-25/syria-opposition-rejects-russian-draft-of-new-constitution|publisher=Bloomberg|date=25 January 2017|access-date=26 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126003840/https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-01-25/syria-opposition-rejects-russian-draft-of-new-constitution|archive-date=26 January 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Syrian draft constitution recognizes Kurdish language, no mentions of federalism|url=http://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/26012017|publisher=Rudaw|date=26 January 2017|access-date=26 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126071011/http://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/26012017|archive-date=26 January 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=رووداو تنشر مسودة الدستور السوري التي أعدها خبراء روس|url=http://www.rudaw.net/mobile/arabic/middleeast/syria/250120172|publisher=Rudaw|access-date=26 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127003420/http://www.rudaw.net/mobile/arabic/middleeast/syria/250120172|archive-date=27 January 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Moscow invites Kurds and Syrian opposition to explain Astana|url=http://aranews.net/2017/01/moscow-invites-kurds-and-syrian-opposition-to-explain-astana/|publisher=ARA News|date=26 January 2017|access-date=26 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126011845/http://aranews.net/2017/01/moscow-invites-kurds-and-syrian-opposition-to-explain-astana/|archive-date=26 January 2017|url-status=dead}}

{{main|Geneva peace talks on Syria (2017)}}

The Geneva IV peace talks on Syria were talks between the Syrian government and the Syrian opposition under the auspices of the United Nations. The opposition was represented by the High Negotiations Committee, while the government delegation was led by Syria's UN ambassador, Bashar Jaafari.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39037609|title=Syria's warring sides brought together for Geneva talks|work=BBC|date=23 February 2017|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725223909/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39037609|archive-date=25 July 2018|url-status=live}} The talks began on 23 February 2017 and concluded on 3 March. The government delegation sought to focus on counter-terrorism while the opposition sought to focus on political transition.{{cite news|title=Russia and Syria say opposition trying to wreck peace talks|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1691SJ?il=0|publisher=Reuters|date=2 March 2017|access-date=2 March 2017}}

Two days of talks on strengthening the ceasefire regime (see above, Dec. 2016) in the Syrian conflict ended 16 Feb in Astana with the adoption of a document to formalise monitoring of the 29 December 2016, ceasefire agreement (see above). The document will guide the activities of a joint operational group to be formed by Russia, Turkey and Iran that was agreed to be set up during the earlier meeting in January in Astana. The document is also meant to guide confidence-building measures among the opposing sides.{{cite news|title=Second round of Syrian talks in Astana adopt mechanism to monitor ceasefire|url=https://astanatimes.com/2017/02/second-round-of-syrian-talks-in-astana-adopt-mechanism-to-monitor-ceasefire/|date=17 February 2017|access-date=14 April 2018|agency=The Astana Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320172317/https://astanatimes.com/2017/02/second-round-of-syrian-talks-in-astana-adopt-mechanism-to-monitor-ceasefire/|archive-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live}}

{{see also|Safe Zone (Syria)}}

The third round of meetings in Astana held between 14 and 15 March yielded further agreement by all parties to the existing ceasefire agreement.{{cite news|title=Kazakhstan welcomes results of Syria meeting in Astana|url=http://astanatimes.com/2017/03/kazakhstan-welcomes-results-of-syria-meeting-in-astana-as-russia-iran-and-turkey-issue-joint-statement/|agency=The Astana Times|access-date=19 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319193130/http://astanatimes.com/2017/03/kazakhstan-welcomes-results-of-syria-meeting-in-astana-as-russia-iran-and-turkey-issue-joint-statement/|archive-date=19 March 2017|url-status=live}} As a result of these talks, Iran joined Turkey and Russia as a guarantor state.

On 4 May 2017, at the fourth round of the Astana talks, representatives of Russia, Iran, and Turkey signed a memorandum to establish four "de-escalation zones" in Syria. The largest one of those included the Idlib Governorate and adjoining districts of Hama, Aleppo and Latakia Governorates; the other three zones were set up in the northern rebel-controlled parts of the Homs Governorate, the rebel-controlled eastern Ghouta, and along the Jordan–Syria border. In those areas, combat operations would be halted as of 6 May 2017; it also envisaged suspension of flights of military aircraft in those areas, as well as the creation of conditions for humanitarian access, medical assistance, the return of displaced civilians to their homes and the restoration of damaged infrastructure. The memorandum was concluded for six months and could be extended automatically.[http://www.interfax.ru/world/561157 РФ, Турция и Иран подписали меморандум о создании в Сирии зон деэскалации] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128042546/https://www.interfax.ru/world/561157 |date=28 January 2019}} Interfax, 4 May 2017.{{cite news|title=Russia, Turkey and Iran continue cooperation on de-escalation zones in Syria|url=http://tass.com/world/953004|agency=TASS|date=23 June 2017|access-date=23 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625131708/http://tass.com/world/953004|archive-date=25 June 2017|url-status=live}}

The deal was not signed by Syrian government or rebel groups; rebel representatives rejected it because it left too many loopholes for the Syrian government to continue bombing civilian areas.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/04/world/middleeast/russia-iran-turkey-syria-de-escalation-zones.html?smpr&_r=0|title=Russia Reaches Deal for Syria Safe Zones, but greementSome Rebels Scoff|newspaper=The New York Times|author=ANNE BARNARD and RICK|date=4 May 2017|access-date=5 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730064754/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/04/world/middleeast/russia-iran-turkey-syria-de-escalation-zones.html?smpr&_r=0|archive-date=30 July 2017|url-status=live}} The Democratic Union Party stated that the ceasefire zones were "dividing Syria up on a sectarian basis".{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-pyd-idUSKBN1811PZ|title=Syrian Kurdish PYD denounces Syria deal for 'de-escalation zones'|newspaper=Reuters|date=5 May 2017|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508062332/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-pyd-idUSKBN1811PZ|archive-date=8 May 2017|url-status=live}}

The fifth round of peace talks initially planned for 5–7 July 2017 in Astana, Kazakhstan were moved to 12–15 July 2017.{{cite news|title=Turkey-backed Syria talks in Astana set for July 10|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2017/06/19/turkey-backed-syria-talks-in-astana-set-for-july-10|agency=DailySabah|access-date=5 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902214557/https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2017/06/19/turkey-backed-syria-talks-in-astana-set-for-july-10|archive-date=2 September 2017|url-status=live}} The Astana Process has the support of the UN's Staffan de Mistura who said the Astana talks are making "clear progress" to reducing violence in Syria.{{cite web|title=Note to Correspondents: Transcript of the press conference by the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura|url=https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/note-correspondents/2017-07-05/note-correspondents-transcript-press-conference-un-special|website=United Nations|access-date=15 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722132106/https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/note-correspondents/2017-07-05/note-correspondents-transcript-press-conference-un-special|archive-date=22 July 2017|url-status=live}} The Southern Front boycotted these talks.{{cite web| url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/07/jordan-south-syria-front-ceasefire-astana-talks.html| title='Precarious calm' in southwest Syria amid cease-fire| date=14 July 2017| access-date=15 July 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715121630/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/07/jordan-south-syria-front-ceasefire-astana-talks.html| archive-date=15 July 2017| url-status=live}}

As a precursor to these peace talks, on 9 July 2017 at 0900 GMT, an American-Russian-Jordanian brokered ceasefire commenced, though on 14 July, opposition groups participating in the Quneitra offensive rejected the ceasefire, with clashes resuming across Southern Syria.{{Cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKBN19U08D| title=U.S.-Russian ceasefire deal holding in southwest Syria| newspaper=Reuters| date=9 July 2017| access-date=15 July 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714005536/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKBN19U08D| archive-date=14 July 2017| url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/ap-sources-us-russia-reach-deal-on-syria-ceasefire/2017/07/07/0ed5d2a6-632e-11e7-80a2-8c226031ac3f_story.html|title=US, Russia announce Syria cease-fire after Trump-Putin talks|first1=Josh|last1=Lederman|first2=Vivian|last2=Salama|first3=Ken|last3=Thomas|date=7 July 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post|agency=AP|access-date=15 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720141643/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/ap-sources-us-russia-reach-deal-on-syria-ceasefire/2017/07/07/0ed5d2a6-632e-11e7-80a2-8c226031ac3f_story.html|archive-date=20 July 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite web| url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-factions-southern-syria-reject-ceasefire-deal/| title=Rebel factions in southern Syria reject ceasefire deal| date=14 July 2017| access-date=15 July 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716062349/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-factions-southern-syria-reject-ceasefire-deal/| archive-date=16 July 2017| url-status=live}} Besides minor violations from all sides involved, as of 15 July, the ceasefire has held.

On 14 September 2017, representatives of Iran, Russia and Turkey in Astana agreed on the implementation of a fourth "de-escalation zone", in the northern governorate of Idlib.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/syrian-crisis/2017/09/15/turkey-iran-russia-agree-on-borders-of-syria-de-escalation-zones-in-astana-talks|title=Turkey, Iran, Russia agree on borders of Syria de-escalation zones in Astana talks|website=DailySabah|date=15 September 2017 |access-date=15 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915125824/https://www.dailysabah.com/syrian-crisis/2017/09/15/turkey-iran-russia-agree-on-borders-of-syria-de-escalation-zones-in-astana-talks|archive-date=15 September 2017|url-status=live}}[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41279686 Syria war: Turkey, Russia, Iran agree Idlib 'ceasefire' zone] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424081545/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41279686 |date=24 April 2018}} BBC, 15 September 2017. Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov affirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to serving as a neutral venue for continued peace talks.{{cite news|title=6th Astana Process Talks Produce De-Escalation Zone Agreement|url=https://www.astanacalling.com/6th-astana-process-talks-produce-de-escalation-zone-agreement/|agency=Astana Calling|access-date=15 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015203838/https://www.astanacalling.com/6th-astana-process-talks-produce-de-escalation-zone-agreement/|archive-date=15 October 2017|url-status=live}}

The seventh round of the Astana Process on Syrian peace started in Astana with support of both Russia and Iran.{{cite news|title=Fresh Syria peace talks open in Kazakhstan's capital|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/fresh-syria-talks-open-astana-084756435.html|agency=AFP|access-date=1 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030115534/https://www.yahoo.com/news/fresh-syria-talks-open-astana-084756435.html|archive-date=30 October 2017|url-status=live}} The talks maintained previous Astana Process agreements, addressed exchange of detainees, POWs and missing persons. The guarantor states—Russia, Turkey, and Iran—affirmed consensus that a political solution under UN Security Council resolution 2254 should be found.{{cite news|title=Latest Syrian peace talks in Astana focus on humanitarian issues|url=https://astanatimes.com/2017/11/latest-syrian-peace-talks-in-astana-focus-on-humanitarian-issues/|agency=The Astana Times|access-date=2 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104030456/https://astanatimes.com/2017/11/latest-syrian-peace-talks-in-astana-focus-on-humanitarian-issues/|archive-date=4 November 2017|url-status=live}}

The eighth round of the Astana Process on Syrian peace started in Astana.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/astana-hosts-eighth-talks-syria-war-171220093245167.html|title=Astana hosts eighth round of talks on Syria's war|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320171150/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/astana-hosts-eighth-talks-syria-war-171220093245167.html|archive-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live}} The talks aimed at ending the nearly seven-year-long conflict in the country, with the humanitarian crisis in the besieged Eastern Ghouta suburb of Damascus at the table.{{cite news|title=Humanitarian crisis in Eastern Ghouta discussed at eighth round of Syria peace talks in Astana|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/syrian-crisis/2017/12/21/humanitarian-crisis-in-eastern-ghouta-discussed-at-eighth-round-of-syria-peace-talks-in-astana|agency=Daily Sabah|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320170254/https://www.dailysabah.com/syrian-crisis/2017/12/21/humanitarian-crisis-in-eastern-ghouta-discussed-at-eighth-round-of-syria-peace-talks-in-astana|archive-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live}}

The head of the Syrian Arab Republic delegation called for the "immediate and unconditional withdrawal of foreign forces from Syrian territory" including Turkish and US forces.{{Cite web|url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=122073|title=Update-al-Jaafari: We demand immediate and unconditional withdrawal of foreign forces from Syrian territory|date=22 December 2017|access-date=4 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204174446/https://sana.sy/en/?p=122073|archive-date=4 February 2019|url-status=live}}

In January 2018 Russia convened the Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi, in which 1,500 delegates participated.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/30/shaky-start-syria-peace-talks-russia-opposition-delegates-refuse/|title=Shaky start to Syria peace talks in Russia as opposition delegates refuse to leave Sochi airport|first=Josie|last=Ensor|date=30 January 2018|newspaper=The Telegraph |access-date=5 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305124722/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/30/shaky-start-syria-peace-talks-russia-opposition-delegates-refuse/|archive-date=5 March 2018|url-status=live}}

The ninth round of the Astana Process on Syrian peace took place on 16 March 2018.{{cite news|title=9th round of Astana talks on Syria|url=http://www.primanews.org/2018/03/9th-round-astana-talks-syria/|agency=PRIMA News|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320170856/http://www.primanews.org/2018/03/9th-round-astana-talks-syria/|archive-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live}} The trilateral ministerial meeting on Syria was to include Iran, Russia and Turkey.{{cite news|title=Ninth round of Astana-hosted Syria talks to take place after Syria truce guarantor countries' FMs in Astana - Kazakh Foreign Ministry (Part 2)|url=http://www.interfax.com/newsinf.asp?pg=5&id=810002|agency=interfax|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320230538/http://www.interfax.com/newsinf.asp?pg=5&id=810002|archive-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live}}

On 17 September 2018 the Russian president Vladimir Putin and Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reached an agreement to create a buffer zone in Idlib.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-rebels/syrias-idlib-spared-attack-turkey-to-send-in-more-troops-idUSKCN1LY0T9|title=Syria's Idlib spared attack, Turkey to send in more troops|last1=Karadeniz|first1=Tulay|date=18 September 2018|work=Reuters|access-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203052807/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-rebels/syrias-idlib-spared-attack-turkey-to-send-in-more-troops-idUSKCN1LY0T9|archive-date=3 December 2018|last2=Al-Khaleidi|first2=Suleiman}}

On 7 August 2019, the United States and Turkey reached a deal, which would set up a new demilitarized buffer zone in northern Syria to preempt a potential Turkish invasion of SDF-held Northern Syria.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/07/syria-turkey-and-us-reach-deal-to-manage-tensions-over-kurds|title=Syria: Turkey and US reach deal to manage tensions over Kurds|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=7 August 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=25 August 2019|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825000552/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/07/syria-turkey-and-us-reach-deal-to-manage-tensions-over-kurds|archive-date=25 August 2019|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Syrian Constitutional Committee}}

In September 2019, Geir Otto Pedersen, United Nations Special Envoy for Syria since 31 October 2018, called for prisoner exchanges as a confidence-building measure between Syrian authorities, opposition groups and civil society groups to take place prior to a planned October 2019 constitution-drafting committee meeting in Geneva. The committee is planned to include 50 people each from government, opposition and civil society, with 15 from each group to work specifically on drafting proposals for a constitution.

The Syrian Constitutional Committee officially convened for the first time on 30 October 2019 at the United Nations Office at Geneva.{{Cite web |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/10/1050241 |title='Historic' new Syria talks should focus on relief for war-weary civilians, says UN negotiator |date=30 October 2019 |access-date=30 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030221957/https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/10/1050241 |archive-date=30 October 2019 |url-status=live}}

The committee's third session of negotiations, among the 45-member small body, with 15 members from the government, opposition, and civil society, respectively, started in late August 2020. Pedersen stated that he had "received a 'strong signal of support' from 'key international players' and from "all sides in the Constitutional Committee" for the continuation of the peace process. Hadi al-Bahra, one of the opposition leaders, and Ahmad Kuzbari, on behalf of the Syrian government, were co-chairs of the session.

On 22 October 2021, yet another round of peace talks failed to reach common ground. No date for the next round was determined.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/syrian-constitutional-talks-big-disappointment-us-envoy-682844|title=Syrian constitutional talks 'big disappointment' - US envoy|date=22 October 2021|website=The Jerusalem Post}}

The delegations of Turkey, Iran, and Russia arrived in Astana (then named Nur-Sultan), on 10 December 2019 for two days of trilateral talks known as the Astana process.{{cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-turkey-iran-hold-14th-round-of-talks-on-syria-war-in-kazakhstan/30317459.html|title=Russia, Turkey, Iran Hold 14th Round Of Talks On Syria War In Kazakhstan|date=30 January 2012|access-date=10 December 2019|publisher=Radio Liberty|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210104329/https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-turkey-iran-hold-14th-round-of-talks-on-syria-war-in-kazakhstan/30317459.html|archive-date=10 December 2019|url-status=live}}

The talks ended without any definitive ceasefire agreement, reportedly due to the anti–government side's refusal to accept new Russian terms regarding control of the Idlib province.{{cite news|url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2019/12/18/russia-bombing-idlib-is-response-to-opposition-rejecting-land-grab|work=The New Arab|date=18 December 2019|title=Deadly Russian bombardment of Idlib is response to 'opposition rejection of land-grab proposal'|access-date=25 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225225253/https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2019/12/18/russia-bombing-idlib-is-response-to-opposition-rejecting-land-grab|archive-date=25 December 2019|url-status=live}}

The 16th International High-Level Meeting on Syria within the Astana Process was held in Astana on 7–8 July 2021. Representatives from the Syrian government, Syrian opposition were present, as well as delegations from Iran, Russia, Turkey and others. High representative observers from the UN, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq also attended.{{cite news |title=Astana process: Foreign Ministry announced date of 16th talks on Syria |url=https://www.kazpravda.kz/en/news/politics/astana-process-foreign-ministry-announced-date-of-16th-talks-on-syria |agency=kazpravda}}

In a joint statement, Russia, Iran, and Turkey reaffirmed their stance to oppose separatist plans aimed at undermining a unified Syria.

This round of talks focused largely on the humanitarian situation in Syria. All participants called upon the international community and the UN to increase assistance to Syria including infrastructure such as water, food, electricity, schools, and hospitals.

All parties also stressed the need to hold the next meeting of the Syrian Constitutional Committee in Geneva as soon as possible.{{Cite web |last=Arystanbek |first=Aizada |date=2021-07-09 |title=Astana Process Participants Express Conviction About Need for Diplomatic Solution to Syrian Conflict |url=https://astanatimes.com/2021/07/astana-process-participants-express-conviction-about-need-for-diplomatic-solution-to-syrian-conflict/ |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=The Astana Times}}

Members of the "Small Group" responsible for writing the constitution, consisting of 15 representatives from the Syrian Government, non-governmental organizations, and the Syrian opposition, met for the eighth round of talks at a Geneva hotel under UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen. There had been a slight breakthrough during the sixth-round meetings in Geneva on October 18–22, when the Syrian Government's delegation co-chair Ahmed Kuzbari sat at the same table for the first time with the co-chair of the opposition Hadi al-Bahra.{{Cite web |title=New round of Syrian peace talks begins in Geneva |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/new-round-of-syrian-peace-talks-begins-in-geneva/2601220 |access-date=2023-01-02 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}

In late November 2024, Syrian opposition groups launched offensives against Assad government forces in northwestern Syria.{{Cite web |last1=Kourdi |first1=Eyad |last2=Edwards |first2=Christian |date=2024-11-27 |title=Syrian rebels launch major attack on regime forces in Aleppo province |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/27/middleeast/syria-rebel-attack-aleppo-assad-intl-latam/index.html |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=CNN}} This led to the collapse of the Assad government in early December, with Assad fleeing to Russia and being granted political asylum.{{Cite news |title=Assad Was Granted Asylum in Russia After Fleeing Syria |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/live-blog/2024-12-08/syria-latest?srnd=homepage-europe |access-date=2024-12-12 |work=Bloomberg.com}}{{Cite web |last=Ravid |first=Barak |date=2024-12-08 |title=Assad regime collapses as Syrian rebels seize control of Damascus |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/12/08/syria-damascus-assad-regime-collapse |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=Axios}} Conflicts amongst armed groups persisted in Syria {{as of|2024|12|11|lc=yes}}.{{Cite news |date=2024-12-09 |title=With Syria in Flux, Turkish Forces Attack U.S.-Backed Forces |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/08/world/middleeast/syria-turkey-kurds.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241211203522/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/08/world/middleeast/syria-turkey-kurds.html |archive-date=2024-12-11 |access-date=2024-12-12 |last1=Sampson |first1=Eve}}

On 24 December 2024, the Syrian caretaker government announced that the country's new de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa had met with representatives of the various rebel factions and that an agreement had been reached on the dissolution of all the groups and their integration under the supervision of the ministry of defence. The meeting, however, did not include representative of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).{{Cite news |date=2024-12-24|title=Syrian authorities say armed groups agree to disband, merge under defence ministry|website=France 24 |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20241224-syrian-authorities-say-armed-groups-agree-to-disband-merge-under-defence-ministry |access-date=2025-02-06 |language=en}} Most factions of the Syrian opposition announced that they would merge under the Ministry of Defense.{{cite web |title=Syrian Leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa Delivers 'Victory Speech,' Outlines Syria's Future Roadmap, Announces Dissolution Of Ba'ath Party, Armed Factions Into New 'Syrian Army'; Military Operations Command Declares Al-Sharaa President Of Syria During Transitional Phase |url=https://www.memri.org/jttm/syrian-leader-ahmed-al-sharaa-delivers-victory-speech-outlines-syrias-future-roadmap-announces |publisher=MEMRI |access-date=29 January 2025}} On 31 December, al-Shaara met with SDF representatives in order to "lay the foundations for future dialogue".{{Cite news |date=2024-12-31|title=Syria's de facto leader al-Sharaa holds talks with Kurds|website= The New Arab |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/syrias-de-facto-leader-al-sharaa-holds-talks-kurds|access-date=2025-02-06 |language=en}}

On 30 January 2025, the Turkish-supported Syrian Interim Government announced that it was placing itself "at the disposal" of the new authorities in Damascus.{{cite news|title=Mustafa Places Interim Government at the Disposal of the Syrian State|url=https://syrianobserver.com/syrian-actors/mustafa-places-interim-government-at-the-disposal-of-the-syrian-state.html|website=Syrian Observer|date=2025-02-05}} On 4 February, shortly after he formally became president of Syria, al-Shaara visited Turkey and met with president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to discuss, among other issues, the situation of Kurdish-led forces in Syria that Turkey considers to be a security threat.{{Cite news |date=2024-02-04|title=Syria's interim leader holds talks with key ally Turkey on his second international trip|website=AP |url=https://apnews.com/article/turkey-syria-sharaa-erdogan-kurds-aca14899b624d7ca98c447ae7008b05d|access-date=2025-02-06 |language=en}} On 12 February, the presidents of the Syrian National Coalition and the Syrian Negotiation Commission met with al-Sharaa. It was announced that both organizations would dissolve within the new authorities, and that the transitional government would form a preparatory committee for the upcoming National Dialogue Conference.{{cite news|url=https://www.newarab.com/news/syrias-temp-government-forms-national-dialogue-committee|title= Syria's transitional government forms national dialogue committee|date=12 February 2025|website= The New Arab|accessdate=12 February 2025}}

File:Agreement_on_Integrating_Syrian_Democratic_Forces_into_State_Institutions.pdf

On 10 March 2025, the Syrian caretaker government and the SDF signed an agreement to integrate the SDF into state institutions and bring northeastern Syria (AANES) under central government control. The deal includes a ceasefire, the merging of military forces, and the return of border crossings, airports, and oil fields to Syrian state authority. According to the deal, Kurdish language rights are, for the first time in Syria, officially recognized.{{cite news |title=Syria's government signs deal with Kurdish-led authorities in the northeast |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250310-%F0%9F%94%B4-syria-s-government-signs-deal-with-kurdish-led-authorities-in-the-northeast |access-date=10 March 2025 |work=France 24 |date=10 March 2025 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Syria merges Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into state institutions |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/10/syria-merges-kurdish-led-syrian-democratic-forces-into-state-institutions |access-date=10 March 2025 |work=Al Jazeera |date=10 March 2025 |language=en}} The specific eight points of the deal are:{{cite Q|Q133871715|url-status=live}}

1. political rights of all Syrians with no religious or ethnic discrimination
2. Kurdish society as a component of the Syrian state with citizenship and constitutional rights
3. a ceasefire throughout Syria
4. integration of all AANES civil and military institutions into the Syrian state
5. right of return and protection for displaced Syrians
6. support for the Syrian state against "Assad regime remnants" and all other security and territorial threats
7. rejection of "calls for division" and of hate speech between the components of Syrian society
8. creation of committees to implement the agreement by the end of 2025.

On 8 April, pro-Turkey forces started reducing their presence in Afrin Region. This was interpreted by Bedran Kurd, a Kurdish official, as step towards point 5, for enabling the return of displaced residents of Afrin. The SDF aimed at having the replacement security forces be mainly local.{{cite Q|Q133871759|url-status=live}}

On 12 April, as part of the deal, national Syrian forces arrived at Tishrin Dam, over which military control had changed several times during the civil war. Plans according to the deal included a joint military force to control the dam, without pro-Turkish factions, and a Kurdish civilian administration.{{cite Q|Q133871789|url-status=live}}

• Federalization of Syria
• International reactions to the Syrian Civil War
• List of United Nations resolutions concerning Syria
• List of Middle East peace proposals
• Negotiations during the Venezuelan crisis

{{Reflist|refs=

{{cite news | last1= Irish | first1= John | last2= Nichols | first2= Michelle | title= Time for large-scale Syria prisoner swaps, U.N. envoy says ahead of new talks | date= 27 September 2019 | newspaper= Thomson Reuters | url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-un/time-for-large-scale-syria-prisoner-swaps-u-n-envoy-says-ahead-of-new-talks-idUSKBN1WC214 | access-date= 27 September 2019 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190927192640/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-un/time-for-large-scale-syria-prisoner-swaps-u-n-envoy-says-ahead-of-new-talks-idUSKBN1WC214 | archive-date= 27 September 2019 | url-status= live}}

{{cite web | title = Mr. Geir O. Pedersen of Norway - Special Envoy for Syria | website = Secretary-General of the United Nations | year = 2018 | url = https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/profiles/geir-pedersen | access-date = 27 September 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190927190937/https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/profiles/geir-pedersen | archive-date = 27 September 2019 | url-status = live}}

{{cite news | last1= Kenny | first1= Peter | title= Halted by virus, Syria peace talks resume in Geneva | date= 27 August 2020 |newspaper=Anadolu Agency | url= https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/halted-by-virus-syria-peace-talks-resume-in-geneva/1955509 |access-date=11 September 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200904181914/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/halted-by-virus-syria-peace-talks-resume-in-geneva/1955509 |archive-date= 4 September 2020 |url-status=live}}

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• [https://www.inclusivesecurity.org/infographic-womens-inclusion-in-the-syria-peace-talks/ INFOGRAPHIC: Women's Inclusion in the Syria Peace Talks]
• [http://tda-sy.org/en/uncategorized/syrian-views-international-agreements.html Survey: Opinions and Current attitudes towards International Agreements on Syria. The Day After. November 2016]

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