Envoys meet in attempt to save shaky cease-fire

Talks include top officials from about 20 countries, including the US and Russia

Senior envoys from world and regional powers met on Tuesday in an attempt to overcome stubborn divisions among Syrian factions that have led to the rise of Islamic State group extremists and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives since violence turned to war five years ago.

But the session is not expected to substantially advance efforts to find peace. A diplomat familiar with the talks said participants were scheduled to agree on a document focusing on trying to firm up a shaky cease-fire and improving efforts to deliver humanitarian aid. He demanded anonymity because he is not authorized to discuss the statement before its release.