The truce in Syria brokered by Russia and Turkey on 29 December 2016 seemed increasingly fragile on Wednesday 4 January.
Some rebel groups decided on Monday 2 January to leave the negotiating table, where talks were taking place under the aegis of Russia to prepare for discussions in Astana. The rebels left these talks in protest at violations of the truce by the Syrian army. The regime is continuing its aerial bombardments of Wadi Barada, an area held by the rebels 15 km from Damascus.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, welcomed the truce in the evening of 30 December, saying: "what matters first and foremost is that it can be implemented fully and by all the parties to the conflict. Reports of continued air strikes and fighting in Wadi Barada are a matter of concern. But if implemented fully, the cessation can open the way to unhindered and countrywide humanitarian access to those in need. And, most of all, if successful it can open the way to a renewal of intra-Syrian talks under UN auspices, within the framework set by the UN Security Council".
Mogherini said the EU "would welcome any intermediate step facilitated by other international players, such as the announced meeting in Astana, if fully inclusive and aimed at preparing a fruitful and meaningful resumption of intra-Syrian talks in Geneva under UN auspices". The meeting in Astana will be followed by talks in Switzerland scheduled for February.
"The European Union is continuing its work with the regional parties. We will host in Brussels in mid-January a round of bilateral talks to find common ground on the post conflict in Syria, and on reconciliation and reconstruction, in full coordination and support of the talks that will be held in Geneva in February", Mogherini stated.
Asked by EUROPE about the talks, a European source explained that no details could yet be given as things were still in preparation. The EU will be holding a conference in Brussels in the spring to follow up on the 4 February 2016 donor conference in London (see EUROPE 11483). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)