DHAKA: US Secretary of State John Kerry says he and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov “have achieved clarity on the path forward” in Syria, but have “narrow issues” to resolve.

The two held talks in Geneva to try to find a way of reviving a cessation of hostilities that faltered months ago.

Kerry said they were close, but would not rush into an agreement, reports the BBC.

The talks come as the Damascus suburb of Darayya was evacuated after a four-year siege by the government.

After meeting for nearly 10 hours, Kerry said the “vast majority” of technical discussions had been completed, adding that experts would remain in Geneva to work on the unresolved steps in the coming days.

He stressed that the only way to solve the conflict was through political agreement.

“We want to have something done that is effective and that works for the people of Syria, that makes the region more stable and secure, and that brings us to the table here in Geneva to find a political solution,” he said.

Nearly 10 hours of talks were not enough to close the gaps.

BDST: 1126 HRS, AUG 27, 2016
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