"We consider that domestic and inter-state relations in the region are very comprehensive, these are the relations between these nations, it is their history. We think that… it should not interfere with the process of normalization of the dialogue, in particular at the Astana talks," Zakharova said at a briefing.
According to Zakharova, such states as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and others involved in the recent diplomatic row have an influence on certain groups of the Syrian opposition, and "nobody even hides this."
"Now it becomes clear that these states are not afraid of losing face when they are openly trying to prevent some opposition groups from joining the Astana process… Now it is nearly impossible to hide these dirty games," the spokeswoman added.
Earlier this week, the Russian and Kazakh foreign ministries confirmed that the next meeting on the Syrian settlement in the Kazakh capital of Astana will take place on July 4-5. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the upcoming round talks would focus on finalizing the specific parameters of relevant modalities in order to ensure that the regime should exist and remain in the de-escalation zones, and along their perimeters.
The latest round of Astana talks, held in May, resulted in an agreement to create four de-escalation zones in Syria. The monitoring and management of the safe zones is carried out by military personnel from the ceasefire guarantor states, namely, Russia, Turkey and Iran.
