Russian plans to broker a cease-fire agreement in Syria is “a positive development,” according to the State Department, which has been sidelined in the region in the final lame-duck stage of President Obama’s time in office.

“Any effort that stops the violence, saves lives and creates the conditions for renewed and productive political negotiations would be welcome,” State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Thursday. “The international community hopes this cease-fire will hold so a Syrian-led transition toward a more representative, united and peaceful government can begin.”