Syrian government forces are pressing an offensive in a valley north west of Damascus as 10 rebel groups suspended talks on planned peace negotiations because of what they described as government violations of a ceasefire deal.

Syrian rebel groups say they are suspending talks ahead of planned peace negotiations later this month because of what they describe as continuing government violations of a four-day old ceasefire deal.

Complaints of election violations are increasing as Russians went to the polls for a new national parliament on Sunday.