Western powers jointly press Russia, Iran for Aleppo cease-fire

The US, Canada, Britain, France, Italy and Germany on Wednesday issued a joint call on Russia and Iran to use their influence on Damascus to bring about a cease-fire in the city of Aleppo, where 75 percent of the territory previously held by the rebels has been captured by the Syrian military. Meanwhile, Syrian rebel groups announced a request for an immediate five-day cease-fire to discuss Aleppo's future as well as enable civilians to flee the city.