{U.S., Russia hold talks on Syria’s future ahead of Geneva|Diplomatic hopes for have rested on persuading Russia to agree to a plan that would end the Assad family dynasty, which has ruled Syria for more than four decades|The official said the two talked through all the areas of differences and difficulties|Petersburg, then shared dinner before Clinton left Russia|PETERSBURG, Russia – The top U.S|On Thursday, Lavrov acknowledged that a transition period is necessary to end the violence in Syria, but said Russia had not agreed to all elements of Annan’s plan, in particular any suggestion that Assad would be required to leave|Assad vows Syria will “annihilate terrorists”, but Annan “optimistic” ahead of talks