A fourth round of talks aimed at resolving the Syrian conflict is being held in Astana, Kazakhstan, with representatives from the Syrian government, the US, Russia, Turkey, as well as the United Nations present.
Diplomats said some members of the Syrian opposition arrived at the meeting but decided to suspend their participation.
The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, urged them to return to the negotiating table in a bid to de-escalate the violence.
Russia's lead negotiator added he hoped the parties would agree to create a series of safe zones in the war-torn country.
