Syria has rejected a proposal by the United Nations envoy for an autonomous rebel administration in east Aleppo. Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said Damascus could not accept the idea proposed by UN peace envoy Staffan de Mistura who was visiting Syria for peace talks.

The proposal was part of a truce deal aimed at halting clashes and reducing violence in Aleppo. De Mistura is expected to release a statement on the issue soon.