US rethinking option of arming Syrian rebels: Hagel

The US has said it is rethinking the option of providing armed support to Syrian rebels in its efforts to oust the Assad regime from there, but added that no decision in this regard has so far been taken.
"Arming the rebels is an option, I am in favour of exploring options and see what is the best in coordination with our international partners," US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said in a joint press conference with his British counterpart Philip Hammond.
"You look at and rethink all options. It doesn't mean you do or you will. These are options that must be considered with partners and the international community, what is possible, what can help accomplish these objectives," he said.

The US and its allies, he said, are exploring all options to achieve the objectives of stopping the violence, bringing stability in the region and helping be part of that transitioning Syria to a democracy.
"These are not static situations. And you must always look at different options based on the reality on the ground, based on what you want to achieve, based on the future, based on our international partners. We -- Secretary Hammond and I -- talked about many options," Hagel said.
Echoing Hagel's views, Hammond said they have not thus far provided any arms to the rebels, but added that "we have never said it's something we will not do."

"But the word that hasn't come out so far in this discussion is legality. Both of our nations will only do what we legally can do. Certainly in our case, for the UK, we have been subject to an EU ban on supplying armaments to rebels."
"We will look at the situation when that ban expires in a few weeks' time and continue to keep that situation under review. But we will do what we are able to do within the bounds of legality, and we regard that as very important," Hammond said.