DUSHANBE, 20.01.2017. /NIAT “Khovar”/. The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura will lead the UN team for the upcoming Syria peace talk in Astana, Kazakhstan, Xinhua news agency citing UN spokesperson’s office.

De Mistura’s deputy Ramzy E. Ramzy was initially designated to lead the UN team at the talk, which was scheduled on January 23.

«In light of the complexity and importance of the issues likely to be raised in Astana, and of the senior level at which the conveners of the meeting will be represented, the Secretary-General has asked Mr. de Mistura to lead the UN team at the talks,» the office said.

«The Secretary-General is looking forward to the Astana meeting being a positive step, ahead of the resumption of intra-Syria negotiations in Geneva,» said the office.

A ceasefire agreement was reached between the Syrian government and the oppositions at the end of last year after intense diplomatic efforts by Russia, Turkey and other countries. The new round of peace talks between Syrian government and oppositions in Astana was later announced.

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution on December 31 to welcome efforts by Russia and Turkey to end violence in Syria and start a political process.

The council viewed the peace talks in Astana «as an important part of the Syrian-led political process and an important step ahead of the resumption of negotiations,» the resolution said.