Baird, German counterpart urge political solution to Syrian crisis

OTTAWA – Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and his German counterpart are expressing worry that international efforts to end the civil war in Syria could be at risk.

Both Baird and German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle say it will be unhelpful if unconfirmed reports that the Assad regime has accepted delivery of Russian anti-aircraft missiles prove to be true.

Westerwelle says he’s made it clear to his Russian counterpart that it’s important no one get in the way of a political solution between all parties.

Meanwhile, the main Western-backed opposition group says it won’t participate in peace talks.

Baird says if there’s to be a political solution to the ongoing war, all sides need to be at the table.

The ministers were meeting in Ottawa for bilateral talks.