Kerry in London to meet Cameron, Hague

PanARMENIAN.Net - John Kerry is due to meet the UK's Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary in London, as part of his first trip abroad as U.S. Secretary of State.

It is the first stop on his tour, which will take in Europe's main capitals, and Turkey and the Middle East.

Syria is expected to be high on the agenda, along with next month's referendum on whether the Falkland Islands should remain British. The U.S. has said it is up to Britain and Argentina to work out a resolution.

Kerry, who succeeded Hilary Clinton as the top U.S. diplomat earlier this month, arrived in London on Sunday, Feb 24 night. He is scheduled to meet David Cameron, and, later, his British counterpart, William Hague.

Kerry is expected to be asked about the U.S. administration's views on Britain's dispute with Argentina over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.

A senior State Department official told the BBC there is currently no change in the US position - the U.S. recognizes the UK's control of the islands but takes no position on sovereignty.

In all, Kerry will visit nine countries, including France, Turkey and Egypt on his first tour abroad.

In Berlin, he will meet Syrian opposition members and representatives of nations supporting them.

Kerry has said he plans to use the trip to propose ideas on persuading Syria's President Bashar al-Assad to step aside.

Kerry's schedule will see him meet foreign ministers and leaders in European capitals including Paris, Rome and Ankara before a tour of Middle Eastern cities including Cairo, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.

Though the Middle East peace process will be on the agenda when he visits Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Kerry will not visit Israel or the Palestinian Territories.