Russia, Iran and Turkey to meet in Astana

Russia, Iran and Turkey are expected to discuss the modalities of a cease-fire they brokered in Syria at a meeting in Astana on Feb. 6 amid Turkey's mounting concerns that Syrian regime forces and its Shiite militia allies have violated the truce in opposition-held Wadi Barada and Eastern Ghouta. 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said last week that a tripartite mechanism was established by the three countries to monitor the cease-fire in Syria.

"The cease-fire is largely holding. Russia, Turkey and Iran have established a mechanism that allows them to monitor the implementation of the truce," Lavrov said.

Delegations from the three countries are expected to discuss the monitoring system and enforcement measures for the truce. 

Turkey considers the inclusion of Iran in the cease-fire as "success" because the violations in the truce deal brokered by Turkey and Russia were made by the Syrian regime and Hezbollah militias over the justification that some Syrian opposition groups in Barada Valley and East Ghouta were affiliated to al-Nusra, which is excluded from the deal. 

Russia's Special Envoy for Syria Alexande Lavrentive visited Tehran on Feb. 5, a day before the Astana meeting.
 
Ankara warns Syrian opposition about constitutional draft

Turkey has warned Syrian opposition groups from refraining to discuss the future administrative make-up of Syria or a new constitution at the talks in Geneva on Feb. 20. 

Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ümit Yalçın met with Riyad Hijab, the general coordinator of the High Negotiations Committee, President of the Syrian National Council Enes el Abde, representatives of opposition military groups participating in the Astana talks, the...