Anglo-French call for end to arms embargo

David Cameron and French president Francois Hollande made a joint pitch at an EU summit in Brussels, insisting the Opposition could need “lethal” military support currently outlawed by the EU’s own sanctions against the regime of dictator Bashar Assad.

But German chancellor Angela Merkel – and EU foreign policy chief Cathy Ashton – raised concerns that trying to tip the military odds more in favour of the rebels could backfire.

Emerging from a Brussels summit originally called to discuss the economic crisis, Mr Cameron said: “It is worth reflecting that we are two years into this dreadful conflict. 
There are probably over 70,000 people who have lost their 
lives.

“We have to be frank that what the international community has done so far, of course, has helped in terms of humanitarian assistance... but it hasn’t overall worked in terms of stopping this conflict and achieving transition in Syria.”

EU foreign ministers recently renewed the current arms embargo until the end of May, extending it to allow “non-lethal” assistance which the UK can offer the Syrian opposition, to include equipment such as armoured vehicles.

But London and Paris are pressing to end the embargo altogether to pave the way for arming the rebels if necessary.

The problem is that the move requires a unanimous vote of member states and Germany is leading a majority still concerned that a political solution is the only answer.

Before returning to London, Mr Cameron commented: “Of course people want a political solution. Of course I want a political solution. But this is not an either/or situation.

“I think we are more likely to see political progress if people can see that the Syrian opposition – which we have now recognised, that we are working with – is a credible and strengthening and growing force.”

He rejected arguments that arms should not be sent to Syria for fear that they will fall into the hands of extremist groups hostile to the West.

And he indicated that Britain and France could act unilaterally if they were unable to achieve agreement in the 
EU.