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Geopolitics

Assad's Safe Exit "Could Be Arranged" British Prime Minister

BBC NEWS (UK), AL ARABIYA (United Arab Emirates)

Worldcrunch

ABU DHABI – British Prime Minister David Cameron said yesterday a safe exit and immunity “could be arranged” for President Bashar al-Assad if it would end the bloodshed in Syria.

Speaking to Al Arabiya TV during a diplomacy and trade visit to Abu Dhabi, Mr. Cameron said the international community should consider anything "to get that man out of the country."

"I am certainly not offering Mr. Assad an exit plan to Britain, but if he wants to leave, he could leave, that could be arranged," Mr. Cameron added.

Mr. Cameron said "number one concern" should be that the loss of life in Syria would continue.

"I am very frustrated that we can't do more," he said. "This is an appalling slaughter that is taking place."

The British PM also said he would favor Mr. Assad "facing the full force of international law and justice,” reports BBC News.

A spokesman for Cameron suggested separately that an immunity deal could - reluctantly - be put on the table. 
"Clearly we would like Assad to face justice for what he has done, but our priority, given the situation in that country, has to be an end to violence and a transition. And that cannot take place while Assad remains in place," the spokesman said.

Cameron is now expected to discuss Syria with Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah as well as other regional and commercial issues, reports Al Arabiya.

The conflict is Syria has killed thousands since it broke out in March 2011.

Despite calls from the international community, Russia and China-backed Assad has refused to step down.

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