UK's May warns Russia of further sanctions over Syria

BERLIN (AA) – British Prime Minister Theresa May said Friday that the U.S. and its European allies might consider further sanctions on Russia over the bombing of civilians in Syria.

“We agree the need to keep up the pressure on Russia, including the possibility of sanctions on those who breach international humanitarian law,” May told a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.

She made the remarks after outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama’s meeting with the leaders of Britain, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, hosted by Merkel.

May said their meeting with Obama offered an opportunity to discuss key challenges, including the civil war in Syria, the fight against terrorist group Daesh, relations with Russia, and the refugee crisis.

“On Syria, of course looking at Aleppo, we’re united in our condemnation of the atrocities that are taking place there,” May told reporters.

More than 100 civilians were killed in airstrikes on besieged districts of eastern Aleppo on Wednesday and Thursday, according to local civil defense sources.

- ‘Brexit on track’

May held bilateral talks with Merkel following their meeting with Obama and other European leaders to discuss common issues and the Brexit.

May assured Merkel that the U.K. will not cause a prolonged period of uncertainty in the European Union and would speed up preparations for the Brexit.

“Our work is on track, we do stand ready to trigger Article 50 before the end of March,” she told reporters, ahead of her meeting with Merkel.

“I want to see this as a smooth process, an orderly process working towards a solution that is in the interests of both the U.K but also in the interests of our European partners too,” she added.