International division after EU lifts arms embargo on Syria

Russia opposed the EU's decision, while the US supported it.

The European Union's decision to lift an arms embargo on the Syrian opposition has divided Western countries. Russia has also opposed the move, saying it would destroy the chances of holding a peace conference that Russia and the United States are trying to organize. The US government yesterday (May 28) expressed its support for the decision.

A Syrian soldier and weapons seized from rebels (Photo: Press TV)

According to US State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell, the European Union’s decision is part of the international community’s efforts to show full support for the Syrian opposition. However, in his statement, Mr. Ventrell also reiterated that, at the present time, the US still prioritizes non-lethal assistance.

“We do not agree with Russia’s position on Syria, but Russia and the United States have reached consensus on a number of issues, especially the need to reach a political settlement through negotiations. This is the most sustainable path to ending the violence,” Mr. Ventrell stressed.

Previously, on May 27, the European Union decided to lift the arms embargo on the Syrian opposition. However, the bloc also agreed not to provide weapons to the opposition at the present time to avoid affecting efforts to find a political solution. According to analysts, the decision has shown deep disagreement among Western countries in resolving the conflict in Syria and could affect the international conference on Syria scheduled for June in Geneva, Switzerland./.

According to VOV - DT