...
...
Next Story

No arms to Syria opposition: France

France has no intention to supply arms to the Syrian opposition and is ready to discuss the UN and Arab League's peace plan, French foreign minister Alain Juppe has said.

Updated on: Apr 20, 2012, 07:32:47 IST
Advertisement

France has no intention to supply arms to the Syrian opposition and is ready to discuss the UN and Arab League's peace plan, French foreign minister Alain Juppe has said.

HT Image
HT Image

"I am convinced that if there are several hundred observers in Syria who are able to move about the country freely, the situation may change," he said.

"If the mission fails we will discuss further action. So far we are not considering the question of arms supplies," said Juppe.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov warned reporters against one-sided, simplified coverage of the situation in Syria.

"Do not pretend that everything depends on Russia, which is supposed to have influence on (Syrian President) Bashar al-Assad. That is unworthy of politicians as well as of journalists.

"The situation depends on those who have influence over opposition groups. This includes the United States, France, Britain, Turkey and Persian Gulf states," he said.

Lavrov urged all countries supporting UN special envoy Kofi Annan's plan to work towards ensuring its success.

More than 9,000 people have been killed in Syria since the outbreak of a popular uprising against Assad last March, according to UN estimates.

 
Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.
Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe