India says no to military solution in Syria

In view of the looming US military strike against Syria for using alleged chemical weapons, India on Tuesday said that there could be no military solution to the Syrian conflict. "There can be no military solution to this (Syrian) conflict," Indian Foreign Ministry said. The ministry said India has consistently called upon all sides to abjure violence so that conditions can be created for an inclusive political dialogue leading to a comprehensive political solution while taking into account the "legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people." "We continue to support the proposed 'International Conference on Syria' (Geneva-II), being the best prospect for a political solution, for bringing the Syrian Government and the opposition to the negotiating table," the ministry stressed. Over the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria, the ministry said India has consistently supported the complete elimination of chemical weapons worldwide. "The international legal norm against the use of chemical weapons anywhere and by anyone should not be breached. However, we will prefer to await the full results of the UN inspection," the ministry said. Syria has been struck by new tension after its troops allegedly used chemical weapons in the capital Damascus suburbs few weeks ago. The US has indicated that it was preparing for military intervention in Syria with President Barack Obama saying he was considering a "limited, narrow" strike with "no boots on the ground".