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Russia's Special Envoy to Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, stated that the absence of armed opposition groups "does not lessen the importance of the Astana process," while speaking on the final day of the Syrian peace talks in the Kazakh capital on Tuesday.The Russian diplomat went on to say that the Russian side "feels sorry about this decision" and called "the pretext under which the Syrian armed opposition has decided not to participate to be unconvincing." SOT, Alexander Lavrentiev, Russia's Special Envoy to Syria (Russian): "The meeting in Kazakhstan is taking place in rather unusual conditions; the Syrian armed opposition has refused to arrive in Astana for a new round of talks. Of course we feel sorry about this decision and we consider the pretext under which the Syrian armed opposition has decided not to participate to be unconvincing. We believe that any dialogue is better than silence and it is better to address all questions, all concerns in a direct discussion with all the parties involved: whether it is the Syrian government, or the Iranian representatives or the Russian delegation. But what's done is done. The delegation of the Syrian armed opposition is likely not to be here tomorrow. However, there is still hope that common sense will prevail and the opposition will decide to come here and take part in discussions tomorrow. As you know, we usually hold negotiations during two days. The negotiations with both Turkish and Iranian delegations have been quite intensive and effective today. As always, the Syrian delegation has taken a very constructive approach, we have discussed a wide range of issues. I would like to emphasise that even the absence of the delegation from the Syrian armed opposition does not lessen the importance of the Astana process. It has been constantly moving forwards."Video ID: 20170314 066Video on Demand: http://www.ruptly.tvContact: [email protected]: http://twitter.com/RuptlyFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/Ruptly

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news ruptly Russia's Special Envoy to Syria Alexander Lavrentiev armed opposition groups Syria Peace talks Astana