Cameron: Al-Assad Stronger, No Decision on Arming Syria Rebels

Local Editor

The British Prime Minister David Cameron said the conflict in Syria presents a "very depressing picture", with extremist rebel factions, "enormous overspill" into neighboring countries and millions displaced by the fighting.

In an interview with BBC, Cameron stated that "the UK should have nothing to do with elements of the opposition reported to have committed atrocities."

"More needed to be done to help those fighting for a free, pluralistic, democratic Syria." He claimed.

In parallel, Cameron acknowledged that the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has strengthened his position in recent months.

"I think he may be stronger than he was a few months ago, but I'd still describe the situation as a stalemate. And yes, you do have problems with part of the opposition that is extreme, that we should have nothing to do with," Cameron said.
Cameron insisted he was still committed to helping the Syrian opposition but admitted its numbers included "a lot of bad guys".

Cameron also gave his clearest indication to date that Britain will not be supplying arms to the Syrian rebels despite pressing for the lifting of the EU arms embargo.

Asked about arming the opposition, the prime minister said: "We're not intervening by supplying weapons, but I think we can with partners ... to strengthen those parts of the Syrian opposition that really do represent the Syrian people."
Cameron also denied reports that his wife Samantha - who was deeply moved by the plight of Syrian refugees when she visited a refugee camp in Lebanon - was dictating government policy.

"She does not influence my policy on this. I've been very passionate about this for a long time. But I would accept that we're on a depressing trajectory and we need to change that," the Prime Minister was quoted as saying by the Guardian.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team