A new round of Syria peace talks backed by powerbrokers Russia, Iran and Turkey has kicked off in Kazakhstan's capital Astana. Meanwhile, a national dialogue congress that aims to end the Syrian crisis is actively under preparation. Russia's special presidential envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentiev told reporters that preparations for the Syrian national dialogue congress are proceeding in a precise manner, adding that the list of attendees are yet to be finalized.

ALEXANDER LAVRENTIEV RUSSIAN SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL ENVOY FOR SYRIA "Before the National Dialogue Congress is held, a preparatory meeting organized by the three guarantor countries might take place in Astana or somewhere else. The name list of the attendees is also being prepared. All the parties have decided today to finally determine the list of attendees in the coming two to three weeks."

Lavrentiev made the remarks at a press briefing after meeting with the Syrian government delegation to the eighth round of Astana talks. He also said there is no reason for the US forces to remain in Syria, which is nearing a complete victory over extremist groups. The two-day Astana talks, which gathered delegations from the Syrian government, the Syrian opposition as well as those from the three guarantor countries, is expected to focus on de-escalation zones, the release of prisoners, and humanitarian aid. The UN's envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, is also expected to attend the second day of talks on Friday. He will fly to Astana after talks in Moscow on Thursday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.