Syrian rebels have said they are suspending their participation in the latest round of peace talks until 'shelling stops across all Syria'.
The rebels were due to hold discussions with the Syrian government in Astana, Kazakhstan with a plan for both sides to create safe zones.
A rebel source told AFP: "The rebel delegation is suspending the meetings because of the violent air strikes on civilians. The suspension will continue until shelling stops across all Syria."
The meeting, which began and seemingly ended on Wednesday, was round four of talks which have been sponsored by regime supporters in Russia and Iran, and opposition backers in Turkey.
Turkey's and Russia's President meet to discuss Syria. Credit: PA
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This round of negotiations began with a series of meetings, with a focus on the Russian plan to establish 'de-escalation zones' around the war-torn country.
The zones would be in rebel-held territory in the north-western province of Idlib, in parts of Homs province in the centre, in the south, and in the Eastern Ghouta near Damascus.
The aim is to put an 'immediate end' to the violence which has seen the death toll already reach the thousands, and 'provide the conditions for the safe, voluntary return of refugees'.
Last month, an estimated 70 people were killed during a suspected chemical attack in the north Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun.
Shocking videos and photographs, which appeared to show lines of dead children, as well as extremely ill ones foaming at the mouth. The suggestion here is that sarin gas was used, which is a chemical weapon that President Assad had previously claimed not to have.
One doctor told LADbible: "I see children and women in pieces, suffering while they die. It stays with me, it haunts me. I close my eyes and what do I see? I see dead bodies, dead children. I see body parts, I see limbs, and I love that. That's me, day in, day out."
Credit: PA
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Once made officially safe, with checkpoints and monitoring centres manned by government troops and rebel fighters, the peace zones would be able to receive supplies and medical assistance. 'Observer countries' may also wish to send in military to these areas.
The document named Turkey, Iran and Russia as guarantors of the peace treaty and pledged that they would work together almost immediately (within five days) after the agreement had been signed.
The Syrian crisis continues, with a further setback as these talks have now stalled.
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Source: AFP
Topics: Iran, War, Turkey, Syria, Russia