France raises issue of Syrian intervention

After meeting in Paris on the 23 November 2011 with Syrian opposition leaders French Foreign Minister Alain Juppé said full scale military intervention by the west in Syria was not being considered.

However, he raised the possibility that western powers could intervene directly intervene to protect civilians in Syria from the Assad regime. Mr Juppé became the first senior western figure to raise the possibility of such an intervention. He said the issue would be discussed by European Union foreign ministers at a meeting in December 2011.

EUObserver, 24.10.11: France recognises Syrian council, proposes military intervention http://euobserver.com/13/114380

ESO: Background information: EU ministers extend sanctions on Syria; Assad isolated http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-ministers-extend-sanctions-on-syria-assad-isolated/

EEAS: Syria http://www.eeas.europa.eu/syria/index_en.htm

---