(VOVworld) - New Syria peace talks sponsored by Russia, Turkey, and Iran were held on Wednesday in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

Syria peace talks held in Kazakhstan (Source: NPR)

At similar peace talks 3 weeks ago, representatives of the Damascus government and the Syrian rebels made no breakthrough towards a political settlement of the conflict. The peace talks in Astana are considered a preliminary step toward resuming UN-sponsored negotiations in Geneva next week.