Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has seen for himself the front-lines of fighting in Ghouta. The Damascus suburb has been the scene of heavy fighting in recent weeks. Rebel leaders are pursuing peace talks after months of air-strikes and heavy bombardment. CGTN's Alaa Ebrahim has more.

ALAA EBRAHIM DAMASCUS On Sunday, Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad made a surprise visit to Eastern Ghouta meeting with Syrian army units on the frontlines. This was his first trip to the region in years. The Syrian president told soldiers that "every meter you gained here changes the political landscape of the world."

BASHAR Al-ASSAD SYRIAN PRESIDENT "I congratulate us, as the Syrian people, and everyone who believed in this country. We are proud of every single person, every hero (soldier) here. Over the past few days, we have followed your progress building by building. I wanted to follow your progress not just on the map and on the phone, but I wanted to actually come here to see what you have done."

Nearly 600 meters from where President Assad was standing Syrian army units pressed ahead with their offensive taking the town of Saqba. The Syrian military managed to slice Ghouta into three separate parts during one of the largest offensive of the conflict. Syrian military officials told CGTN that government forces now control over 70% of the rebel area and that more than 25,000 civilians have crossed into government safe areas. The UN describes the situation of those still inside as 'dire". And says the humanitarian situation has gotten worse for those who remain trapped in eastern Ghouta. The UN estimated the population of Ghouta when the offensive began at more than 400,000 but government sources rejected the report and said the number is highly exaggerated. Meanwhile, state -TV reports that Damascus has given rebels in one of the three zones in Ghouta until 3 pm on Sunday to surrender, but government sources say though the deadline is over there is still room for talking. Another rebel faction in control of the southern part of Ghouta says they are negotiating with the UN for are a ceasefire. The southern part is controlled by Faylaq Al-Rahman and is the closest to the capital. Rebels say that surrendering and leaving isn't an option.

ALAA EBRAHIM DAMASCUS "But a senior military source tells CGTN the only option on the table is a full rebel departure out of Ghouta. Alaa Ebrahim - CGTN - Damascus."