Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Monday he was ready to study a UN plan to "freeze" fighting in the northern city of Aleppo, a statement from his office said.
"President Assad has been informed by (UN envoy Staffan) De Mistura of the main points of his initiative," said the statement issued after the two men held talks in Damascus.
"(Assad) said it was worthy of study and that work on it is needed... in order to re-establish security in Aleppo," it added.
The UN peace envoy for Syria met officials in Damascus to push his efforts to set up "freeze zones" to suspend fighting in some areas including the battered northern city of Aleppo.
According to Syrian Arab National Agency (SANA), Assad underlined the importance of Aleppo, asserting the government's commitment to the safety of civilians across the country.
He said that De Mistura's initiative merits consideration and pursuing its goals of restoring security to Aleppo city.