US and Russia close to Syria deal but Obama warns 'grave differences' remain

The US is sceptical an agreement with Russia to end violence in Syria can work but will keep pursuing it nonetheless, president Barack Obama said as negotiators from both countries edged towards a deal.

Mr Obama, speaking on the sidelines of the G20 summit in China, said the US and Russia still have "grave differences" about what is needed to end Syria's civil war and which opposition groups are legitimate targets for the US and Russian forces. But he said "it is worth trying".