German minister says no to Syria military intervention

BERLIN - The Associated Press

erman Defence Minister Thomas de Maiziere signs a guest book at international peace keeping force (KFOR) headquarters as he stands next to Erhard Drews (L) German commander of KFOR in Pristina June 4, 2012. REUTERS/KFOR/Pool

Germany's defense minister has sharply rejected the idea of military intervention in Syria, referring to those who ask for it as waffling "coffee house intellectuals."

Thomas de Maiziere told Monday's edition of German daily taz: "the continued waffling by people who bear none of the responsibility creates expectations in regions like Syria, thereby causing terrible disappointment." De Maiziere added that he finds it "barely bearable that some coffee house intellectuals call for the deployment of soldiers in the world without being accountable for it." His comments were confirmed by his ministry.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Sunday he couldn't rule out a military intervention in Syria any longer, following similar statements from France.

Germany, however, remains staunchly opposed to a military intervention, saying it could too easily lead to all-out war.