Cameron suggests safe passage to UK for Assad could be arranged

Syrian President Bashar Assad may be allowed a safe passage out of his country and protection from prosecution, according to David Cameron.

Although human rights campaigners do not appreciate the move, Mr Cameron said it would be sensible if it meant the violence in Syria, which has resulted in the deaths of up to 40,000 people, could be ended.

Speaking in Saudi Arabia during his three-day visit to the Gulf states and the Middle East, the Prime Minister claimed it “could be arranged” for President Assad to leave his nation of Syria.

He did not suggest where he might be given a safe place to stay but was defiant that Britain would not be the country to welcome Assad.

Asked by Al Arabiya television what he would say if the Syrian President asked for asylum, Mr Cameron replied: “Done. Anything, anything to get that man out of the country and to have a safe transition in Syria.” 

He went on to say: “Of course I would favour him facing the full force of international law and justice for what he’s done. I am certainly not offering him an exit plan to Britain but if he wants to leave he could leave, that could be arranged.”

According to Downing Street, David Cameron did not elaborate his plans for Assad with other members of the United Nations council.

His official spokesman said:  “Obviously we would like Assad to face justice for the crimes he has committed but our priority has to be an end to violence and a transition in Syria. That requires Assad to go.”

The UN human rights office has claimed that due to reports that the Syrian government are responsible for serious human rights violations, it should face judgement at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

However the UN investigators believe they have enough evidence to show that the rebels are also responsible for crimes against humanity as well as violations of human rights.

Mr Cameron concluded by saying that Britain is not presently planning to provide the Syrian rebels with weapons and military assistance but showed frustration that the international community have not tried harder to end the continuous “appalling slaughter”.

Alexander Clackson