Menu
07/11/2012
Cameron Visits Syrian Refugees
David Cameron has met with Syrian refugees at a camp on the Jordanian border.
The PM has described the suffering of refugees caught up in the conflict as "horrendous".
He said he wanted to bring Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to justice to give the country a brighter future.
"I wanted to hear for myself the stories of people who have been bombed and shot and blasted out of their homes in Syria by a deeply-illegitimate and unpleasant regime that is raining down death and destruction on its own people," he said.
"It is truly horrendous to hear those stories and just redoubles my determination that now, with a newly-elected American president, we have got to do more to help this part of the world, to help Syria achieve transition."
The visit comes as Britain prepares to begin talks with Syrian rebels, due to take place in Jordan and Turkey.
Mr Cameron was told how up to 500 people a day have been arriving at the Za'atri camp, some having walked for 15 days.
He said: "There is an opportunity for Britain, for America, for Saudi Arabia, Jordan and like-minded allies to come together and try to help shape the opposition, outside Syria and inside Syria, and try to help them achieve their goal, which is our goal of a Syria without Assad."
He added he would like President Assad to see "full international justice".
It is thought the Prime Minister is the first G20 leader to visit Syrian refugees in Jordan.
A No 10 spokesman said: "The government will make absolutely clear to these groups that they must respect human rights and humanitarian law standards. We will also call on them to work with aid agencies to facilitate vital humanitarian access."
More than 30,000 people have been killed in the violence in Syria which began last year.
(IT/GK)
The PM has described the suffering of refugees caught up in the conflict as "horrendous".
He said he wanted to bring Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to justice to give the country a brighter future.
"I wanted to hear for myself the stories of people who have been bombed and shot and blasted out of their homes in Syria by a deeply-illegitimate and unpleasant regime that is raining down death and destruction on its own people," he said.
"It is truly horrendous to hear those stories and just redoubles my determination that now, with a newly-elected American president, we have got to do more to help this part of the world, to help Syria achieve transition."
The visit comes as Britain prepares to begin talks with Syrian rebels, due to take place in Jordan and Turkey.
Mr Cameron was told how up to 500 people a day have been arriving at the Za'atri camp, some having walked for 15 days.
He said: "There is an opportunity for Britain, for America, for Saudi Arabia, Jordan and like-minded allies to come together and try to help shape the opposition, outside Syria and inside Syria, and try to help them achieve their goal, which is our goal of a Syria without Assad."
He added he would like President Assad to see "full international justice".
It is thought the Prime Minister is the first G20 leader to visit Syrian refugees in Jordan.
A No 10 spokesman said: "The government will make absolutely clear to these groups that they must respect human rights and humanitarian law standards. We will also call on them to work with aid agencies to facilitate vital humanitarian access."
More than 30,000 people have been killed in the violence in Syria which began last year.
(IT/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 April 2003
Straw denies plans for armed action against Syria
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has said that there are no Coalition plans for a military intervention in Syria – despite the more bellicose statements emerging from Whitehouse officials.
Straw denies plans for armed action against Syria
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has said that there are no Coalition plans for a military intervention in Syria – despite the more bellicose statements emerging from Whitehouse officials.
31 August 2011
Amnesty Reveals Death Toll in Syrian Jails
Human rights activist group Amnesty International have said they believe at least 88 people have died from torture while in detention in Syria as the authorities continue their repression of protests.
Amnesty Reveals Death Toll in Syrian Jails
Human rights activist group Amnesty International have said they believe at least 88 people have died from torture while in detention in Syria as the authorities continue their repression of protests.
08 March 2005
Pro-Syrian protest held in Beirut
Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in the Lebanese capital of Beirut to protest about the withdrawal of Syrian troops from the country. The protest, organised by Shi'ite Muslim group, Hizbollah, attracted thousands of pro-Syrian protestors to the city.
Pro-Syrian protest held in Beirut
Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in the Lebanese capital of Beirut to protest about the withdrawal of Syrian troops from the country. The protest, organised by Shi'ite Muslim group, Hizbollah, attracted thousands of pro-Syrian protestors to the city.
04 March 2005
Straw calls for Syria to pull out of Lebanon
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has called for Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon. The Foreign Secretary's statements follow calls from Russia and Saudi Arabia urging Syria to remove its forces from Lebanon.
Straw calls for Syria to pull out of Lebanon
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has called for Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon. The Foreign Secretary's statements follow calls from Russia and Saudi Arabia urging Syria to remove its forces from Lebanon.
06 October 2003
UN condemns Israeli air raid on Syria
The UN Security Council has denounced Israel for launching an air raid against Syria – in response to a suicide bomb attack in Haifa on Saturday in which 19 people died. The council has urged a "just and comprehensive peace" during a meeting which heard from more than two dozen participants.
UN condemns Israeli air raid on Syria
The UN Security Council has denounced Israel for launching an air raid against Syria – in response to a suicide bomb attack in Haifa on Saturday in which 19 people died. The council has urged a "just and comprehensive peace" during a meeting which heard from more than two dozen participants.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A generally dry and bright day with some sunny spells. However, thicker cloud could give patchy rain at first near North Channel coasts, perhaps the odd shower breaking out in the west later in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:Any showers in the west soon dying out, dry for most with some clear spells. Showery outbreaks of rain could develop across parts of the south overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
