Press briefing: afternoon 17 June 2013
The Prime Minister's Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on G8, including Syria, and Stuart Hall.
G8, including Syria
Questioned about the PMs view following the his meeting with President Putin yesterday, the PMS said that there is a clear agreement that we need to move to a place of peace and a resolution. Asked what impact this had on the summit, the PMS said that clearly this is a complex issue but it is not the only one under discussion. Trade is another key area as demonstrated by the press conference the PM has just given highlighting the first steps on a very important EU/US trade agreement.
Pushed on whether the Russian stance on Syria had changed the PMs mind the PMS was clear that the PM’s views have not changed - this is a complex problem, we need political transition and the actions of the regime are completely unacceptable.
Asked whether the PM thinks it is viable to provide arms, the PMS said that the PM has always been clear that no decisions have been taken. The PMS said that he was not going to get into an assessment of strengths on the ground.
Asked for an update on the peace talks, the PMS said they would bring people who have an interest in bringing peace around the table.
Asked about bugging and accusations that the summit has been bugged, the PMS was clear that he would not discuss intelligence issues.
Asked whether the PM believes that we have a diplomatic row following events in Turkey, the PMS said that he is not aware of any row.
Asked about the focus of discussions at the G8, the PMS said that clearly Syria is important but so is trade, tax and transparency.
Stuart Hall
Asked whether the PM agreed with Stuart Hall’s sentence, the PMS was clear that sentencing is a matter for the court.