The Astana format on Syria, currently comprising Russia, Turkey, and Iran, may soon include other Arab nations. This possibility was suggested by Grigory Lukyanov, a research fellow at the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in a conversation with TASS. The upcoming meeting of the Astana format foreign ministers is scheduled to take place in Doha.
"The fact that the Astana format meeting is planned to occur in Qatar’s capital, Doha, as announced, is a significant indication that Arab countries are deeply concerned about the current situation," said Lukyanov. He noted that while expanding the Astana format was previously unfeasible, the current circumstances may allow for the inclusion of more interested Arab nations and neighboring states in the region.
"It is essential for Syria’s neighboring countries and regional stakeholders to develop a unified approach and mutual understanding on how to respond to the changing dynamics. However, full conflict resolution in the current conditions is not on the table," the expert emphasized.
Lukyanov cautioned against making premature predictions, citing the rapidly evolving situation in Syria. "This understandably raises concerns not only among Astana format members but also among other states bordering Syria," he added.
The Astana format includes Russia, Iran, and Turkey as guarantors of the Syrian peace process, alongside representatives of the Syrian government, opposition, the United Nations, and observer countries like Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon. Negotiations under this framework have been ongoing since 2017.
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Based on TASS materials