The High Negotiations Committee spokesperson Monzer Makhous.

:: The High Negotiations Committee spokesperson Monzer Makhous warned that the Astana talks are a double-edged sword as de-escalation zones may be the beginning of dividing Syria.

In an interview with Al Arabiya, Makhous noted it’s been a year and 8 months since talks were launched but the involved parties have not all discussed the phase of political transition.

He added that Iran and Russia are two key players that still strongly support the Assad regime.

In a previous interview with Al-Hadath television, Al Arabiya’s sister channel, Makhous called for not relying on countries’ media statements but on their practical stances when it comes to a political transition in Syria.