Russia-backed Syria constitution talks begin in Geneva

150-strong committee meets to chart political settlement and negotiate end to civil war

Russia underscored its role in the political future of Syria as the Moscow-backed Syrian constitutional committee met for the first time under UN auspices to chart a political settlement to end the eight-and-a-half-year civil war.

The meeting - a key proposal from Moscow - in Geneva is being overseen by the UN special envoy for Syria Geir Pederson with expectations low that the Syrian government, in an increasingly strong military position, will see the need to make any major political concessions to secure western recognition.