Britain urges pressure on Syrian regime and rebels

Published May 15, 2013

Associated Press

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  British Prime Minister David Cameron speaks at a press encounter at United Nations headquarters, after the meeting of the High Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, Wednesday, May 15, 2013. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)The Associated Press

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  British Prime Minister David Cameron speaks at a press encounter at United Nations headquarters, after the meeting of the High Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, Wednesday, May 15, 2013. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)The Associated Press

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  British Prime Minister David Cameron, left, shakes hands with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon before their meeting, at United Nations headquarters Wednesday, May 15, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Garten, United Nations)The Associated Press

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UNITED NATIONS –  British Prime Minister David Cameron is calling for urgent action to pressure the Syrian government and opposition to get together and agree on a transitional government that everyone can support.

Cameron told reporters after meetings at the U.N. on Wednesday that he supports the U.S.-Russian initiative for a new conference to launch a peace process, which shouldn't be delayed. He said he will be urging the participants to quickly put forward names for a transitional government so negotiations can begin.

He reiterated that Britain has made no decision to arm the rebels, but he said it's important to engage with the opposition.

"If we don't engage with the opposition, then we shouldn't be surprised if extremist elements grow, and that's not what we want," Cameron said.

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Britain fails to stop EU push on bank bonus caps

Published March 20, 2013

Associated Press

BRUSSELS –  Britain has failed in an 11th hour bid to convince other European Union members to alter a proposal that caps bankers' bonuses starting next year.

Representatives of the bloc's 27 governments and the European Parliament ironed out details of the final draft of the legislation Wednesday. Britain had hoped for at least minor changes in the draft.

The proposal limits bonuses at one year's base salary and double that if a large majority of a bank's shareholders agrees.

Lawmaker Othmar Karas says the European Parliament is set to adopt the legislation in April.

The rules will also apply to European units of foreign banks and the employees of EU banks working overseas.

The compromise on the legislation was struck in principle last month. Britain opposed it but was outvoted.

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