DHAKA: Russia on Thursday hosts the G20 summit hoping to push forward an agenda to stimulate growth but with world leaders distracted by divisions on the prospect of US-led military action in Syria.

After US president Barack Obama’s surprise decision to seek the backing of Congress for strikes against president Bashar al-Assad’s regime, it now appears any attack will take place after the two-day summit in Saint Petersburg, leaving an air of tense uncertainty hanging over the event.

Russian president Vladimir Putin of Russia, a vocal critic of the West’s policies on Syria, has expressed strong doubt that Assad was behind an alleged chemical attack on August 21 that has prompted the plan for military action.

Leaders are expected to agree a Saint Petersburg ‘action plan’ for sustainable and balanced global growth but these ambitions risk being drowned out amid the cacophony accompanying debate between major powers on Syria, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1419 HRS, SEPT 03, 2013
RoR/BSK