The father of Kiwi triplets killed in a Qatar mall fire says it is distressing to see stories circulating about the fire being an act of terrorism without any facts to back them up.

Journalists and academics have questioned a Saudi news agency that claims the Qatar mall fire that killed New Zealand triplets was an act of terrorism.

Aleppo's ancient souk has fallen victim to the civil war. A fire sparked by battles between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's troops and rebel fighters tore through Aleppo's centuries-old covered market, burning wooden doors and scorching stone stalls and vaulted passageways.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully says the UN must do more to help small Pacific nations, and he's warned it risks losing its credibility over its inaction on Syria.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says the UN risks losing its credibility because of its inability to act over Syria.

Former NZ diplomat Warren Searell called Damascus home until the Arab spring made life far too dangerous. This is his story.