Syrian Prime MinisterWael al-Halki makes a surprise visit to Aleppo, pledging more than $4 million in aid. This constitutes the first trip by a senior figure in the government of President Bashar al-Assad in months. [http:--www.trust.org-alertnet-news-syria-pm-makes-rare-visit-to-aleppo-and-promises-aid- (Reuters)]date=August 2019