Posted on 09/11/2014 9:21:13 AM PDT by GonzoII
Downing Street has clarified its position on the possibility of strikes in Syria, saying it has not yet abandoned the idea of airborne attacks.
The Foreign Secretary earlier appeared to strike a different note when he said the UK would not be taking part in airstrikes in Syria.
Philip Hammond was speaking after Barack Obama authorised attacks on IS fighters in Syria, as well as Iraq, for the first time, saying the terrorists had a free passage across the countries' borders.
Mr Obama said the move did not amount to support for the Assad regime in Syria, which has always claimed the terrorists were behind the uprising in the country, now in its third year.
Speaking at a news conference in Berlin, Philip Hammond told reporters the UK would not take part and said the decision would not be "revisited".
However, the Prime Minister's spokesman later clarified his words.
"In terms of air power and the like, the Prime Minister has not ruled anything out. That is the position. No decisions have been taken in that regard," the spokesman said.
"The point he (Mr Hammond) was making was that last year Parliament expressed its view with regard to taking action with airstrikes against the Assad regime."
(Excerpt) Read more at citytalk.fm ...
Good to hear from Number 10.
We heard from Number 2 last night.
The Prime Minister seems to talk loudly and carries a little stick.
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