Berlin Won't Arm Syria Rebels, Says 'Respects' U.S. Pledge

Germany said Friday it had noted "with respect" the United States' promise of military aid to the Syrian opposition but restated it would not deliver weapons to the conflict-ridden country itself.

"We take note of the U.S.' decision with respect," a foreign ministry spokesman told reporters after the U.S. accused Syria of using chemical weapons and pledged military aid to the opposition.

Germany will continue intensively exchanging information about Syria with its partners and wants talks in the U.N. Security Council aimed at agreeing a "common position", Andreas Peschke said.

He said Germany would see what it could do to support the Syrian opposition but added: "Germany itself will deliver no weapons to Syria."

Government spokesman Steffen Seibert reiterated the stance, saying it was not possible for legal reasons. "Germany is not allowed to deliver weapons to an area in civil war," he told the same news briefing.

He indicated Germany's position would not change even in the event of Syrian President Bashar Assad being found to have used chemical weapons, as Washington, Britain and France claim.

Britain has called for a "strong, determined" international response and said it will discuss that "urgently" with the United States, France and other countries, including at a G8 summit next week.