Sputnik News- The United States is in favor of all peaceful discussions that can help stabilization and transition efforts in Syria, a State Department official told Sputnik on Tuesday when asked about the possible inclusion of Ahrar ash-Sham in the upcoming Astana talks.

On Monday, Free Syrian Army General Bashar Zoubi told Sputnik that representatives of�Ahrar ash-Sham would likely become part of�the Syrian opposition delegation for�the new round�of talks due to�take place in�the Kazakh capital this week.
"The United States supports any discussions that can lead to�a de-escalation of�violence and allow for�unhindered humanitarian assistance for�all Syrians in�need," the official stated. "We are concerned, however, that the Astana process has not to�date facilitated either objective."


Ahrar ash-Sham is one of�the largest Syrian armed opposition groups. Until 2014 they sided with�Daesh, a terrorist group outlawed in�Russia and many other countries.

In December 2016, Ahrar ash-Sham agreed to�join the nationwide ceasefire between�the Syrian government and opposition factions. The group decided not to�participate in�the earlier rounds of�Astana talks but�supported the negotiations.