video transcript

Smoldering rubble in the aftermath of a bomb blast in the Syrian capital. The bomb exploded early Wednesday, near the Dama Rose Hotel - the Damascus base of U.N. monitors. At least three people were wounded, according to Syrian state television which reported that the bomb was attached to a gas canister. Visiting the blast scene, the embattled country's deputy foreign minister FAISAL MEKDAD said the safety of U.N. personnel is a top priority for Syrian security officials. (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) FAISAL MEKDAD, SYRIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER, SAYING: "I want to assure the United Nations that we are here to assist them and we will do our best to ensure the mission's safety and ability to work normally." Fighting in the Syrian conflict has recently been centred in Damascus and Aleppo, where rebels have been holding out against government mortar bombardments and air strikes. Opposition sources say at least 18,000 people have been killed since a popular uprising began in March 2011.