Syria Conflict: EU Considers Amending Arms Embargo
European Union foreign ministers are discussing British and French calls for an easing of sanctions against Syria so weapons can be supplied to the rebels.
France and the UK are expected to argue that the move would increase pressure on Damascus for a political solution.
However, several EU states are totally opposed to ending the arms embargo, which expires on 31 May.
EU officials have warned against jeopardising a current initiative to hold an international peace conference.
Syria’s foreign minister confirmed on Sunday that the government would “in principle” attend the conference which the US and Russia hope will take place in Geneva next month.
Walid Muallem said it would be “a good opportunity for a political solution” to the conflict, which the UN says has left more than 80,000 people dead.
In a conflict which worsens by the week, this is a week when critical decisions on the next steps in Syria must be made.
The US Secretary of State, John Kerry, has added his voice to those urging Europe to ease restrictions on military support for the opposition. “Fine for him to say but what is Washington willing to do?” one European foreign minister opposed to lifting the ban told me.
On Monday, Mr Kerry meets his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in Paris. Their talks are expected to focus on plans for the first conference to bring together representatives of the Syrian government and opposition.
The meetings in Brussels and Paris are linked.
One of the main concerns in many European capitals is the impact any lifting or easing of the EU arms embargo might have on the fragile effort to fashion a political transition.
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Members of the main opposition coalition are currently discussing whether to attend the conference, but spokesmen have said they would if President Bashar al-Assa