Lavrov: US, Jaysh al-Islam can join Syria talks

By Hakan Ceyhan Aydogan

MOSCOW (AA) - The U.S. and Jaysh al-Islam group could attend Syria peace talks in the Kazakh capital Astana, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Wednesday.

"Frankly, the form the invitation was sent, enables the participation of all those who have been mentioned in public statements, including representatives of the U.S.," Lavrov said at a news conference with his Austrian counterpart Sebastian Kurz.

Lavrov said like other Syria's opposition groups, Jaysh al-Islam group also expressed its willingness to sign cease-fire deal with the Syrian government. He added: "We support this approach."

He said the invitations for the talks in Astana have been sent, but the participant list will become clear after official replies.

Negotiations between the Syrian government and opposition negotiators to reach a political solution to the six-year war in Syria are due to begin on Jan. 23.

Following last month's Syria cease-fire deal, brokered by Turkey and Russia, the Astana meeting comes as part of ongoing efforts by the two countries to promote a political solution in war-torn Syria.