28 Feb 2013 10:24

France determined to observe embargo on arms supplies to Syria - Hollande

MOSCOW. Feb 28 (Interfax) - France does not intend to violate an EU embargo on arms supplies to Syria, French President Francois Hollande said. "France is keeping its word. There is an embargo imposed by Europe, and so we are adhering to this embargo," Hollande said in an interview on Echo of Moscow radio on Thursday.

"However, if some countries need weapons, you cannot rule out that other countries can ship them, sometimes not to the best hands," he said.

Part of the armed Syrian opposition is already receiving weapons, but not from France, he said.

Asked whether he believes the embargo on arms supplies to Syria should be lifted, Hollande replied, "This issue needs to be discussed step-by-step."