Russian warns Britain, allies against interfering in Syria

Foreign ministers of the G8 grouping of world nations held second day of talks in London Thursday focused on giving more support to foreign-backed insurgents fighting the Syrian government of president Bashar al Assad.

The talks came as Syrian insurgent chieftains renewed their appeal for lethal aid including heavy weaponry to be deployed against the Syrian nation and government.

Britain was expected to stress call for arming the Syrian insurgents at Thursday talks but there were no signs of a major shift in policy.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, in London for the G8 meeting, has warned that neither side can win the battle in Syria.

He has also cast doubt on the motives of some of the countries interfering in Syria.

“We have long been trying to calm the situation [in Syria]. But as soon as the slightest glimmer of hope appears… someone immediately does everything possible to frustrate the hope. There will be no winner”, Lavrov said.

“I do not know for whom it is advantageous. It may be advantageous for many. For example, for those who would like to see fewer big and influential countries in the region”, he added.

The ministers arrived at Lancaster House in London, where UK Foreign Secretary William Hague welcomed them and noted a communiqué for the meeting will be released later in the afternoon.

The meeting is taking place amid escalation of the situation in the Korean peninsula. South Korea has raised its alert level in response to indications that North Korea might launch a missile on April 15, when birthday celebrations for the North’s late founder Kim Il-Sung are expected.

The members of the Group of Eight are the US, Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Canada and Russia.