Damascus Says Ready To Work With Brahimi

Lakhdar Brahimi

The Syrian government says it is ready to work with the new international envoy for the country, Lakhdar Brahimi.

Syria's deputy foreign minister said Damscus hoped Brahimi would clear the way for a "national dialogue" to end the conflict despite no let up to the fighting.

On August 23, Syrian forces are reported to have shelled districts around the capital Damascus and the northern city of Aleppo.

The opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 100 people were killed across the country on August 23.

Meanwhile, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian suggested Western nations and allies could consider setting up a limited no-fly zone over part of Syria without a UN Security Council mandate.

Based on reporting by Reuters and dpa