BEIJING, Aug. 31 (Xinhuanet) -- UN says that more than 2.5 million people are "in great need" of humanitarian assistance and protection inside . They in particular pointed to a demand for water, sanitation, food, shelter, blankets and healthcare.

The statement came as UN Deputy Secretary-General was briefing the UN Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria. At the start of the ministerial meeting, Eliasson also said proposals to set up "safe zones" in Syria raised "serious questions" and would need to be studied carefully.

, which is council President for August, convened this latest UN Security Council meeting. Syria’s neighbors, Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan are also attending. Diplomats say that aside from a possible announcement of aid initiatives by individual countries, there would be no further action on Syria from the Security Council.

(Source: CNTV.cn)