Hague: Giving arms to Syrian rebels cannot be ruled out

[Jazzy]

Britain cannot rule out providing arms to the Syrian opposition in the future, Foreign Secretary William Hague says.



The situation in Syria now is too dangerous to the peace and security of that entire region, and thereby to the world, to ignore it, he said.



His words come after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accused Britain in the Sunday Times of bullying and naivety over the conflict in his country.



Mr Hague described Mr Assad's interview as delusional.



About 70,000 people have been killed in the Syrian uprising that started almost two years ago. Hundreds of thousands of refugees have fled to neighbouring countries.



The foreign secretary is due to announce to Parliament this week an aid package to assist those fighting against the Syrian government.



Speaking to the BBC's Andrew Marr programme, Mr Hague said the package would be given directly to the opposition and would include more equipment to help save lives.



He added that he would not be announcing a provision of arms this week, but he could not rule anything out for the future.



If this is going to go on for months or years and more, tens of thousands of people are going to die, and countries like Iraq and Lebanon and Jordan are going to be destabilised, it is not something we can ignore.



Separately the Department for International Development has so far provided £139.5m in humanitarian aid to Syria which includes food packages, blankets, clothing and medical aid.

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[Evil Eye]

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