ASTANA (Sputnik) — The opposition is calling for a "confirmation that any decision on Syria and any settlement should start simultaneously with the political transition and respect to the territorial integrity of Syria," the statement reads.
The opposition is "against any projects that imply dividing Syria in practical or legal terms. Creating security zones is a temporary measure for de-escalation… and not an alternative for the political transition," the statement continues.
According to the documents obtained by Sputnik, Russia proposed to set up four security zones — in the Idlib province, to the north of the city of Homs, in Eastern Ghouta and in the south of the country.
The new round of the Astana talks, which brings together the sides to the Syrian conflict — Damascus and armed opposition, as well as three ceasefire mediator states — Russia, Iran and Turkey, kicked off on Wednesday, while a meeting at the experts level took place on Tuesday.
The civil war in Syria has been lasting for around six years with government troops fighting against numerous opposition factions and terror organizations such as al-Nusra Front and Daesh, outlawed in Russia.
The nationwide Syrian ceasefire regime was introduced on December 30, 2016. Terrorist organizations are not part of the ceasefire.
