Assad allows ICRC to operate, as long as it's neutral

Embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will let humanitarian aid reach civilians in combat areas, following his meeting with new International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) head Peter Maurer on Tuesday, the Syrian government made known in a communique. ''The president confirmed he is in favor of Red Cross action on the ground, as long as it's conducted independently and in a neutral manner,'' the communique said. Maurer, who replaced former ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger in July, arrived in Damascus on Monday for a three-day visit. The ICRC's 50 Syrian and international operators have been unable to leave Damascus since July due to the fighting. There are 1.2 internal refugees in Syria, while another 230,000 have fled to nearby countries, according to the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). Maurer's mission is to get ICRC personnel official access to Syrian detention centers, where thousands of anti-regime opponents are being held, according to humanitarian organizations. Assad's communique did not mention this issue, however.