Syrian Opposition Will Not Attend Astana Peace Talks

BAGHDAD / NINA / Syrian opposition does not intend to attend the peace talks scheduled to begin on Tuesday in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, blaming Russia unwillingness to end air strikes on civilians in opposition areas and failing to put pressure on the Syrian army to abide by the ceasefire it infringes on a large scale. Osama Abu Zaid, the spokesman of the opposition, told reporters, they've made a final decision not to go as a result of the Russia failure to end large-scale violations of the ceasefire agreement that has been reached, mediated by Turkey and Russia in the December talks. He added, "The decision came as a result of the continuation of Russia's crimes in Syria against civilians and its support for the crimes of the Syrian regime," adding that "they were told Turkey, the main supporting for the opposition, their decision. The Syria opposition groups, on Saturday, called to postpone backed Russia peace talks in Kazakhstan and said that further meetings will depend on the Syrian government and its allies commitment to a ceasefire recently declared in March 7 until 20 of the same month. / End