Kerry says he 's confident Syrian opposition will attend Paris talks . U.N humanitarian chief in Damascus , expresses support for displaced persons . Activists say 697 people died in two days of rebel fighting . Al Qaeda - linked rebel forces battling Free Syrian Army fighters , other factions .
Kerry says he 's confident Syrian opposition will attend Paris talks . U.N humanitarian chief visits Damascus , expresses concern for displaced persons . Activists say 697 people killed in nine days of rebel fighting . Al Qaeda-affiliated ISIS forces battling Free Syrian Army fighters , other factions .