Seven of the G8 nations may adopt a policy on Syria without Russia if President Vladimir Putin doesn't agree to their proposals, a news report said Tuesday.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said at the G8 summit in Northern Ireland that there were differences between Russia and the other member states on the subject of Syria, but that the talks could narrow the divide, USA Today reported.
However, Western media sources said that the summit is clarifying what measures Russia is ready to take, and that the other members could collaborate on their own policy if no agreement with Putin can be brokered, Interfax reported.
Cameron's main principles for resolving the conflict include establishing a transitional government without President Bashar Assad, condemning the use of chemical weapons globally, improving humanitarian aid for the Syrian people, and combating extremist groups around the world, The Independent reported.
The prime minister also stressed the need to learn lessons from Libya by planning in advance for "day one" of a new Syria, "so that people in Syria can have a government that represents them, rather than a government that's trying to butcher them."
Putin sharply criticized Obama's announcement last week that Washington will offer direct support and ship weapons to rebel forces.
"The brutal behavior of the rebels was inconsistent with the humanitarian and cultural values of Europe," Putin said then.
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