G-20 ends with rift on Syria widening

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US counterpart Barack Obama are no closer to agreeing on a military intervention in Syria.


Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Barack Obama are no closer to agreeing on a military intervention in Syria. Putin said on Friday talks had been “constructive”, but neither had conceded ground.

Speaking at the close of the G-20 summit in St. Petersburg, Putin said it would be “counter-productive to destabilize” the situation in Syria with military intervention. His comments came in direct contrast to those made by Obama soon after, who again trumpeted the need for action.

“Syria’s escalating use of chemical weapons threatens its neighbors,” Obama said.
“… Failing to respond to this breach of international norm would send a signal to world nations… that they can develop and use weapons of mass destruction.”
http://www.dw.de/g-20-ends-with-rift-on-syria-widening/a-17072014