Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov opened the Syrian National Dialogue Congress on Tuesday, reading a statement from Vladimir Putin.
The Russian president called on participants and sponsors to support "the restoration of a lasting peace and stability in Syria and to strengthen its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.”
"We can say with confidence that conditions have been created for turning this tragic page in Syria's history," he added.
The meeting has been held at Russia’s Black Sea resort in Sochi, bringing together 1,600 delegates for two days of talks that were meant to complement UN-led peace efforts.
The congress did not run smoothly, however. It was initially scheduled to begin on Monday, but was delayed a day in the hopes that Russia would convince absent warring factions to attend.
Lavrov’s opening speech on was also delayed after a Turkey-backed rebel group refused to leave the airport where they saw the Syrian regime flag highlighted on posters and billboards.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu had two separate phone calls with Russian officials to help resolve the issue, according to Hurriyet Daily News. The hosts promised to address their concerns.
Cavusoglu also asked for an explanation from Russia after Mihrac Ural, the leader of a pro-Syrian militia who Turkey considers a terrorist, was spotted at the congress, reported Anadolu Agency.
Lavrov’s speech was then interrupted by hecklers.
"In view of the unprecedented nature of this meeting, which is being attended by representatives of so many ethnic, social and political groups of Syrian society," said the Russian foreign minister, "it is, of course, important to start by building mutual trust and our ability to work together."
That “mutual trust” seemed a distant prospect, however.
While he was extending thanks to the participants, Lavrov was interrupted multiple times by angry Syrian delegates and others crying "Long live Russia."
The Syrian Negotiation Commission (SNC) declined to attend the congress, citing no practical solution towards halting military operations in Syria, according to AFP.
Syrian Kurds also boycotted the event, saying it was “meaningless” after Russia did not oppose Turkey’s military offensive in Afrin.
The United States said on Monday that they would not attend Sochi as an observer.
Staffan de Mistura, UN's Syria peace negotiator, arrived on Monday, despite doubt of his attendance.
The Sochi congress was co-sponsored by Iran and Turkey.
One aim of the meeting was to make progress on a post-war constitution for Syria. Lavrov said that they reached an agreement to create a constitutional committee to work with the UN-led Geneva process, according to Russia’s Tass news. Groups who did not attend the congress will be included in the committee.
Mistura commended the effort.
"You did work hard today. You concluded that a Constitutional Committee should at the very least comprise the Government, Opposition representatives in the intra-Syrian talks in Geneva, Syrian experts, civil society, independents, tribal leaders and women - and women. You have also concluded that care would be taken to ensure adequate representation of Syria’s ethnical and religious leaders - and we have seen many here today," he said in comments at the conclusion of the congress.
He said he would carry out consultations with an eye towards establishing the committee, calling it a "delicate exercise."
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