No military solution to conflict in Syria: India

Even as US President Barack Obama is preparing for a military strike on Syria, India on Tuesday said there can be no military solution to this conflict.

Even as US President Barack Obama is preparing for a military strike on Syria, India on Tuesday said there can be no military solution to this conflict.

“India has consistently called upon all sides to abjure violence so that conditions can be created for an inclusive political dialogue leading to a comprehensive political solution, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. There can be no military solution to this conflict,” Syed Akbaruddin, spokesperson of the external affairs ministry said.

He said India continues to support the proposed ‘International Conference on Syria’ (Geneva-II), being the best prospect for a political solution, for bringing the Syrian government and the Opposition to the negotiating table.

Regarding the reports of the Syrian government using chemical weapons, which triggered the US expediting the possibility of a military strike, he said India will prefer to await the full results of the United Nations inspection.

“On use of chemical weapons in Syria, India has consistently supported the complete destruction and elimination of chemical weapons worldwide. The international legal norm against the use of chemical weapons anywhere and by anyone should not be breached. However, we will prefer to await the full results of the UN inspection,” Akbaruddin said.