The guarantor countries – Russia, Iran and Turkey – are expected to consider documents concerning various aspects of the Syrian de-escalation zones, as well as discuss steps which need to be taken to ensure unhindered humanitarian access and restore infrastructure facilities. Russian Federation and Iran back the Syrian government while Turkey supports some of the armed insurgent groups that seek to topple the government. Kalın stated the upcoming Astana talks would likely cement the deal on stationed forces in Syria. The four de-escalation zones set out in Astana are located in Idlib, Homs, the Eastern Ghouta region near Damascus, and the southern border with Jordan. Neither the Syrian government nor the rebels signed the document although the Syrian government voiced its support for it.

Source: The Local June 24, 2017 05:15 UTC