Kazakhstan to host new Syria talks in July

Astana June 20 (IANS) Kazakhstan is set to host the latest round of Syria peace talks on July 4 and 5 here the Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday.

The guarantor nations of talks - Russia Turkey and Iran - are to discuss the situation in Syria and the implementation of ceasefire agreements reached at previous meetings reports Efe news.

The ministry said the participants would coordinate the implementation of a memorandum establishing four de-escalation zones in Syria.

The memorandum aims to protect the civilian population and reduce tension between the rebels and government forces.

The fifth round of the Astana process had been scheduled for June 12 and 13 but was postponed by the decision of the guarantor states who said they wanted more time to work out the details of the proposed safe areas.

--IANS
ksk/bg