Syria Peace Process: Russia, Iran, Turkey push to end crisis with peoples' congress

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Russia, Iran and Turkey have launched a major diplomatic push to end the Syrian crisis. The three countries have agreed to hold a Syrian Congress involving all parties and opposition groups. However, the opposition says it will continue to demand that the Syrian president step down. Our correspondent Julia Lyubova reports from Moscow.

The leaders of Russia, Turkey and Iran have agreed to convene a Syrian People's Congress as one of the first steps to establish a dialogue in the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted his Turkish and Iranian counterparts in Sochi and says they agreed to step up efforts to finish off what Putin called terrorist groups in Syria.

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "We have agreed to continue to apply the most active efforts for reaching of our main goal of establishing peace and stability in this country, preserving its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. With satisfaction we stated major success in the joint fight against terrorism."

The meeting in Sochi came on the same day as Syrian opposition groups met in Saudi Arabia. The opposition say it will continue to demand President Bashar al-Assad leave power at the start of any political transition. Turkey, which also supports the Syrian opposition, says all parties have to intensify efforts to try to settle the crisis in Syria.

RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN TURKISH PRESIDENT "The point we have reached is important, but not enough. It is critical for all concerned parties to contribute for a permanent and acceptable political solution for the people of Syria."

The trilateral talks came two days after Putin hosted Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Sochi. Putin says the Syrian leadership is committed to the peace process, a constitutional reform and free elections.

ALEXEY KHLEBNIKOV RUSSIAN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS CENTER "The political process should become a major priority for all parties involved. So basically now they are switching attention from the military to the political process."

Syria remains divided among those loyal to Assad, the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces and several jihadist groups. It remains to be seen if these latest efforts by Russia, Turkey and Iran can breathe new life into the negotiations.

JULIA LYUBOVA MOSCOW Russia, Turkey and Iran have increasingly co-operated in recent months to set up several 'de-escalation zones' aimed at calming fighting in Syria. The three sides say they are eager to press on with cooperation in an attempt to bring the crisis in Syria to an end. JL, CGTN, Moscow.