Syria Says Ready to Discuss Date for U.N. Humanitarian Chief Visit

The Syrian foreign ministry said on Thursday that it was willing to discuss a date for a visit by the U.N. humanitarian chief, saying the timing she had originally requested was "not suitable.”

U.N. undersecretary general Valerie Amos had "requested to come to Syria at a time that was not suitable for us. We are willing to continue discussions with her about a time suitable for both sides," the ministry said in a statement carried by state television.

Amos has been in the Middle East for several days waiting for a visa to go to Damascus but President Bashar Assad's government had yet to respond to U.N. requests, U.N. officials said on Wednesday.

"I am deeply disappointed that I have not been able to visit Syria, despite my repeated requests to meet Syrian officials at the highest level to discuss the humanitarian situation and the need for unhindered access to the people affected by the violence," Amos said in a statement on Wednesday.

The rejection brought new international condemnation on Syria.

U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, said it was "shameful that Assad has denied access" to Amos as the government steps up its assault on protest cities such as Homs.