G8 Leaders Side Step Fate of Syria’s Assad

Members of the G8 – the US, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Canada, Japan and Russia – released a statement that reiterated their hopes for a political solution to end Syria’s civil war as well as a demand that both sides destroy Al Qaeda affiliates operating in the country. An isolated Russia objected to specific mention of Bashar al-Assad. The communique also endorsed proposed peace talks that have thus far failed to materialize and called for Syria’s public services to be preserved and eventually restored, run in accordance with the rule of law while recognizing basic human rights. World leaders also tackled the issue of international tax evasion, signing the Lough Erne Declaration, a 10-point plan that applies only to G8 members to exchange tax information automatically and legislate new regulations to stop companies from moving money across borders to evade taxes. The declaration also calls for transparency in land and mining transactions, laws and budgets as well as reduced protectionism. – YaleGlobal