Iran, Russia helping Syrian aid effort, say European officials

Iran and Russia have used their influence on Syrian President Bashar Assad's government to get visas for UN aid workers and improve access for convoys in Syria, but much remains to be done, senior European officials told Reuters on Thursday.

US officials were more cautious, saying that "all voices" taking part in secretive U.N. talks aimed at bringing food and medical supplies to civilians in out-of-reach areas are critical. There was limited progress in recent weeks, they said. (Reuters)