France wants to be able to arm Syrian rebels

[pampango]

8. Apparently the EU arms embargo is up for renewal in May. It may be that the UK or France might veto

an extension of the arms embargo rather than violate the embargo before May.

Syria: UK's Cameron 'may veto EU arms embargo'

David Cameron has said the UK would consider vetoing any extension to the European Union's arms embargo on Syria. "Vetoing the embargo was "not a decision we have taken", he added, telling the MPs: "And I hope we don't have to break from a collaborative approach across the European Union."

The embargo is due to be renewed in May, but the prime minister said it was "not out of the question we may have to do things in our own way".

EU members are divided over whether to lift the embargo, with some, such as Germany, concerned that this would lead to a proliferation of arms in Syria and the surrounding region.

France supports the UK in calling for an easing of restrictions.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21763345