Kazakhstan: Lavrentiev says deal on Syria's four de-escalation zones nearing finish line

Russia's Special Envoy on Syria Alexander Lavrentiev reported that guarantor states Russia, Iran and Turkey are reaching the final stages of an agreement for the creation of four de-escalation zones in Syria, at the first working day of the sixth round of Syria Peace talks, in Astana, on Thursday.
According to Lavrentiev, the next round of talks in Astana could be the last one, at which the participants will discuss the organisation and creation of de-escalation zones.
"The main goal, as I said, is the finalisation of the process of creating four de-escalation zones. I think that there are normal and good conditions in order to do it. And tomorrow, I think we will submit this process," said Lavrentiev.
He added that "some participants from the international community do not want to see Iran in this process, so it's a matter of recognising Iran's right to participate in a peaceful settlement in Syria and in rebuilding the destroyed infrastructure and economy of this country."
When speaking on the details being discussed, he noted that "security lines in the de-escalation zone are being negotiated, the placement of observation posts and checkpoints is coordinated as well."
This is the 6th round of talks on the Syrian crisis settlement to be held in Astana. The negotiations are expected to last for two days and are being supervised by Russia, Turkey and Iran, as the mediators of the talks.