Members of the Syrian National Council met with the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva on Wednesday for talks on getting vital aid to crisis-hit areas.

The ICRC wants a daily two-hour halt to fighting so its humanitarian workers can access the worst affected regions and has been holding talks with Syrian authorities and rebels.

Discussions began at around 3:00 pm (1400 GMT), said ICRC spokesman Hicham Hassan.

The SNC delegation was due to meet with ICRC president Jakob Kellenberger.

"The meeting is a part of the general ICRC contact with all parties that could have an impact on the situation in Syria, including the possibility of delivering aid to those who need it," said ICRC spokesman.

At an earlier news conference in Paris the SNC, Syria's main opposition group, urged the international community to create safe havens in the country.

"The SNC will demand that the ICRC provide immediate humanitarian aid to the residents of Homs," the group said in a statement ahead of the meeting.