German FM Says Syria Conference May Be Delayed

Germany's Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said Monday that an international Syria peace conference may have to be delayed until July to give more time for preparations.

"It would be better that it takes place in July than never," Westerwelle said at the U.N. headquarters where he signed an international arms trade treaty. The United Nations had wanted to hold the conference this month, but mounting obstacles have appeared.

Westerwelle called on all countries, "especially Russia," to put greater effort into a political solution for the 26-month-old conflict which has left more than 94,000 dead, according to Syrian activists.

"We are very concerned about the situation in Syria. I urge all parties to respect the life and the goods of the civilian population," the German minister said.

Russia, the main backer of Syrian President Bashar Assad, and the United States, which supports the opposition, agreed last month to press for the conference.

But divisions among the Syrian opposition and wrangling about whether countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia should take part have held up efforts to agree a date and agenda.