The Telegraph: Cameron abandoned plans to arm Syrian rebels
7/15/2013 12:50:19 PM
The Telegraph newspaper reported Monday that the British Prime Minister David Cameron has abandoned plans to arm the Syrian rebels after being warned by military chiefs that it could embroil British forces in an all-out war.
The British daily mentioned that senior military figures have warned the Prime Minister that with the momentum on the side of President Assad's regime, sending small arms and missiles is unlikely to make a difference.
A source close to Downing Street last night confirmed that Mr Cameron is not planning to arm Syrian rebels.
"British forces will instead draw up plans to help train and advise moderate elements of the opposition forces fighting the regime," the newspaper read.
British ministers are reported to believe it could take 18 months before President Assad is forced to the negotiating table, although it could take significantly longer after the advance of the Syrian government forces.
The British daily mentioned that senior military figures have warned the Prime Minister that with the momentum on the side of President Assad's regime, sending small arms and missiles is unlikely to make a difference.
A source close to Downing Street last night confirmed that Mr Cameron is not planning to arm Syrian rebels.
"British forces will instead draw up plans to help train and advise moderate elements of the opposition forces fighting the regime," the newspaper read.
British ministers are reported to believe it could take 18 months before President Assad is forced to the negotiating table, although it could take significantly longer after the advance of the Syrian government forces.