Kazakhstan, the longtime host of Syria peace talks between Russia, Turkey and Iran, surprising proposed ending the process on Wednesday, though Russia said the meetings could continue in another location, Reuters reports.
Diplomats from the three countries met in the Kazakh capital Astana for the 20th time this week to discuss the situation on the ground, a roadmap to rebuild Turkey-Syria ties, Israeli attacks and a host of other issues.
But on Wednesday, Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Kanat Tumysh unexpectedly called for the conclusion of trilateral talks, saying their goal had been achieved.
"Syria's gradual emergence from isolation in the region could be regarded as a sign that the Astana process has completed its task," he told reporters.
"Taking into account Syria's return into the Arab (nations) family, we propose officially declaring the 20th meeting under the Astana process the final one."
This was clearly not the plan of the three negotiating parties, however, who said in a joint statement after the talks that the next meeting would take place later this year.
Russia, Turkey and Iran could for example take turns hosting those meetings, he said.
