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Britain to equip Syrian rebels

William Hague announces a further 'substantial' shipment to Britain's chosen Syrian partners

Foreign Secretary William Hague announced a further "substantial" shipment of non-lethal items to Britain's chosen partner in the bloody Syrian war yesterday following an opposition summit in London.

The Tory minister revealed that Britain is to send more communications, medical and logistical equipment to the Syria National Coalition - described as an umbrella organisation for "moderate" armed opposition forces - following the gathering of the so-called Friends of Syria group in London.

"Friends" include the US, France, Germany, Italy, Britain and Turkey, alongside military-ruled or absolute monarchies Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

The summit was an attempt to hatch a Western-led plan in advance of another initiative to kickstart a diplomatic solution to the conflict, which is being organised at much broader UN-backed talks in Geneva.

Mr Hague said afterwards: "The only sustainable way to end this conflict and the suffering of Syrian civilians is through a political transition.

"The alternative is a protracted conflict in which neither side will be able to achieve a military victory over the other."

The minister claimed that the loose alliance of "friends" would not insist that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad resign.

But he added that opposition from the West's chosen partners meant Mr Assad "would play no role" in a post-conflict government.

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