Syria conflict: EU to discuss amending arms embargo

 

The rebels and their supporters say the EU arms embargo must be lifted

European Union foreign ministers are to discuss British and French calls for them to ease sanctions against Syria so weapons can be supplied to the rebels.

At a meeting in Brussels, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague is expected to argue that the current sanctions regime, which is due to expire at the end of this week, is no longer working.
He wants it amended so arms can be sent to "moderate" forces in the opposition.
However, several EU states are totally opposed to ending the arms embargo.
Earlier, Syria's foreign minister confirmed the government would "in principle" attend an international peace conference which the US and Russia hope will take place in Geneva next month.