NEW YORK
G8 leaders could not reach a consensus despite the leaders' pressure on Russia in Northern Ireland.
G8 leaders could not persuade Russia to find a political solution to the ongoing Syrian civil war although US president Barack Obama announced they had evidence that Syria used chemical weapons.
“We remain committed to achieving a political solution to the crisis based on a vision for a united, inclusive and democratic Syria,” the final summit communique said. “We strongly endorse the decision to hold as soon as possible the Geneva conference on Syria,” added the document which does not outline Assad’s role in a post-crisis Syria.
UN Secretary-General Ban ki- moon welcomed "understandings" reached on Syria by G8 leaders including their commitment to bring the warring sides to the negotiating table adding he stood ready to convene the Geneva Conference on Syria as soon as possible.
Ban also welcomed the call of the G8 leaders on parties of the conflict to allow access to the UN Mission to investigate allegations of the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
Date for the proposed Geneva Conference on Syria is still uncertain but the US, Russia and UN representatives will meet on June 25 in Geneva to discuss the date.
Meanwhile the US discusses how they will arm the Syrian opposition. The biggest concern over arming the opposition is that arms may fall into the "wrong hands" and be used against the US and its allies.
Russia warns the US and European countries over the decision on arms supplies to the Syrian opposition, which Russian President Vladimir Putin said the decision was based on unconfirmed reports that the Assad regime used chemical weapon.
Anthony H. Cordesman from Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) based in Washington said in his analysis Obama's Syria strategy was not clear adding it was time the US had taken a stride to make a decision on Syria.
