Syrian govt gives partial approval to UN aid plan

The Syrian government has partially approved a United Nations aid plan for October, but not its request to deliver assistance to rebel-held eastern Aleppo, the BBC reported quoting diplomats.

Damascus has given a green light for convoys to 25 of 29 besieged and hard-to-reach areas across Syria, they said.

But, crucially, not to the eastern districts in Aleppo that are controlled by rebels.

The United Nations requested access for the convoys in late September, expecting approval by 30 September for the month of October.

The decision comes as Russia said there is international disarray over how to end the civil war in Syria.

Russia's ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, said he hoped progress could be made this weekend when US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavro resume talks on Syria that were suspended earlier this month.

Mr Churkin expressed regret at civilian casualties over his country's air campaign in Syria.

Source: MENA