Talks on the Syrian crisis have begun in Kazakhstan's capital of Astana. The issues topping the meeting's agenda include strengthening the ceasefire and advancing the negotiation process in order to hold consultations in Geneva on February 8.7 delegations are participating in the meeting including those of the Syrian government and the armed opposition, as well as Russia, Turkey and Iran, who act as guarantors of the ceasefire agreements adopted on December 29. Besides, UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura's team is also taking part in the talks while US Ambassador to Kazakhstan George Krol acts as an observer. <br/><br/>The Syrian opposition delegation comprises representatives of the groups active, first and foremost, in the northern and central parts of the country, as well as some of the groups from southern Syria. The talks are scheduled to be completed tomorrow. More than 300,000 people have been killed and 11 million displaced in almost six years of conflict.