Leaders of the world’s most powerful nations papered over their differences on Syria to agree a joint position at the G8 summit in Northern Ireland on Tuesday that could pave the way for fresh peace talks in Geneva.
The statement makes no reference to the future of President Bashar Assad, saying only that a transitional government must be formed “by mutual consent” between the different sides of Syrian society.
The chief communique states that the G8 nations – the UK, US, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan and Russia – are “committed to achieving a political solution to the crisis based on a vision for a united, inclusive and democratic Syria”.
It endorses plans to restart peace talks in Geneva “as soon as possible” and says that they should begin with both sides agreeing on “a transitional governing body with full executive powers, formed by mutual consent”. Crucially, the document says that Syria’s public services must be “preserved or restored” under future arrangements, adding: “This includes the military forces and security services”.
It continues: “However, all governmental institutions and state offices must perform according to professional and human rights standards, operating under a top leadership that inspires public confidence, under the control of the transitional governing body.” The G8 leaders also confirmed that they are making almost 1.5 billion US dollars available in additional funding for humanitarian operations in Syria and its neighbouring countries. David Cameron had sought to unite Russia and the West in a common approach to solving the two-year civil war in Syria.
British officials were confident that the G8 summit would agree a communiqué on Syria to which all eight members including Russia would sign up despite President Vladimir Putin’s support for the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
The prospect of a “G7 versus Russia” split loomed last night when the eight leaders sat down for dinner at the luxury golfing resort. But Mr Cameron said on Twitter: “I chaired an encouraging working dinner on Syria last night. More details on that and significant developments on tax [avoidance] later today.”
The Prime Minister had presented a five-point plan in the hope it would pave the way for a new round of peace talks on Syria in Geneva. It proposed a transitional government with executive authority in Syria; condemning the use of chemical weapons; a drive to improve humanitarian relief to the Syrian people and a pledge to combat extremist and planning in advance for “day one” of a new post-Assad Syria.
Mr Cameron claimed another breakthrough when the final day of the G8 summit got underway and reached agreement not to pay ransom money to terrorists. Downing Street said the leaders agree “to stamp out ransom payments to terrorists and called on companies to follow [their] lead.” After two hours of talks with Barack Obama, President Putin said: “Of course, our opinions do not coincide, but all of us have the intention to stop the violence in Syria, to stop the growth of victims, and to solve the situation peacefully…We agreed to push the parties to the negotiations table.”
