Obama says US has grave differences with Russia over Syria

HANGZHOU - US President Barack Obama said on Sunday that talks with Russia will be key in reaching any deal to end hostilities in Syria, but negotiations are difficult and grave differences remain between Washington and Moscow.

The United States has long been interested in finding a way to reduce violence and improve humanitarian aid in Syria but it would be difficult to get to the next phase if there is no buy-in from Russia, Obama told a news conference in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, where global leaders are convening for a G20 summit.

A senior State Department official, meanwhile, said Sunday that while issues remain to be solved, the US was close to a deal with Russia and Syria.

A deal may be announced as soon as later in the day, the official said on the sidelines of the G20 summit in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou.