Russia's showpiece Syria congress marked by boycotts Russia's showpiece Syria congress aimed to bring seven years of war closer to an end but closed without a significant breakthrough after a string of boycotts and last-minute cancellations. In closing remarks, UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said delegates had agreed to the formation of a committee to discuss the country's post-war constitution including government delegates and representatives of the SNC, among others. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES