Red Cross chief on Syria mercy mission

Red Cross chief Peter Maurer has launched a mercy mission in Syria to seek greater protection for civilians, as opposition activists said rebel-held areas of second city Aleppo faced severe food shortages under a government offensive.

In Damascus, Mr Maurer, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, met president Bashar al-Assad and expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in the war-torn country, ICRC spokesman Hisham Hassan said.

In a 45-minute meeting, he urged respect for international humanitarian law, and stressed the need to ensure swift provision by the ICRC of humanitarian aid such as medical supplies and equipment to restore damaged water infrastructure.