EU urges diplomatic efforts on Syria, 'no military solution'

Reuters ^ | September 5, 2013 | Luke Baker

[maggief]

(Reuters) - Europe's top officials warned against a military response in Syria on Thursday, aligning themselves more closely with Russian President Vladimir Putin than President Barack Obama in how best to respond to the chemical attack in the Syrian civil war.

While describing the August 21 attack near Damascus, in which an estimated 1,400 people died, as "abhorrent" and a crime against humanity, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy said a military strike would not help resolve the crisis.

"There is no military solution to the Syrian conflict," Van Rompuy told reporters ahead of a summit of the Group of 20 countries this week in St Petersburg, when the 2-1/2-year-old conflict in Syria is expected to dominate debate along with discussion on the global economy.

"Only a political solution can end the terrible bloodshed, grave violations of human rights and the far-reaching destruction of Syria," Van Rompuy said.

[Rusty0604]

And then there’s this:
China Officially Backs Russia On Syria, Warns “Military Action Would Have Negative Impact On Global Economy”

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks maggief.