Syrian regime ready for prisoner swap with rebels — state media

Syria’s regime is ready to release detainees in exchange for hostages held by rebels, the official SANA news agency reports, ahead of peace talks in the Kazakh capital.

“The government is ready… as part of efforts towards the next meeting in Astana to exchange detainees for men, women and children — civilians and soldiers — kidnapped by terrorists,” SANA says, referring to the rebels.

Kazakhstan has invited Syrian rebels and government officials to peace talks on Wednesday and Thursday in Astana, after a first round last month organized by regime backers Russia and Iran and rebel ally Turkey.

The Syrian government’s position comes after the “success… of the Syrian state in freeing numerous civilians and soldiers kidnapped by terrorist groups,” the agency cited an official source as saying.

— AFP