Lizzie Porter

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says talks aim to ease functions of diplomatic missions

Specialists have cleared tonnes of mines from the desert but relatives of victims say greater support needed

The post-Assad regime is under pressure to show it can govern inclusively

Talks come as war enters fourth year and the US adopts a more pro-Kremlin stance

Integrating assortment of former rebels and an urgent need for new equipment are among most pressing concerns

UK turns to low-key social and diplomatic links to quietly shape transition

Iranian and Hezbollah security has vanished, but some residents remain cautious

Peace talks must not happen ‘behind the scenes’, Ukraine's President says after US-Russia meeting in Riyadh

Technicians are installing security equipment and training staff to bolster safety, Turkish minister says

Residents want greater protection from the new authorities as security remains fragile

Deadly violence has broken out along the frontier as Syria intensifies its crackdown on smuggling routes linked to Hezbollah

Many people are living in temporary accommodation across the 120,000 square kilometre area where the quake struck

Backlash after Donald Trump’s claims US will take over the enclave and relocate its population

New forces are tracking down caches of weapons in former regime heartland, but violence highlights a lack of command and control

Some believe new leader will deliver on promises of equality, but concerns remain