Russia's Putin Torpedoes G8 Efforts To Push Out Assad

 R Reports - It was mostly smiles as G8 leaders gathered for their class photo in Northern Ireland.

But it was not all harmony -- Russian President Vladimir Putin derailed efforts to remove Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad from power and just hours after his meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama, he said the Kremlin might sell more arms to Syria.

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, DAVID CAMERON, "It's no secret that there were very different views around the G8 table, but we all share a vital interest in bringing this conflict to an end and helping the Syrian people to achieve what they want."

While Putin, was seemingly isolated at the summit, he says he was not alone.

 RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, 

"It was a discussion. Somebody would agree, somebody would argue about certain issues, but it was never a case that Russia was alone defending its position on resolving the Syrian problem. "

Obama put the focus on the future.

UNITED STATES PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA,

"We very much shared the view that it is important for us to build on the G8 communiqué, to move towards a political transition inside of Syria, to build a strong opposition that can function in a post Assad world."

Russia and the US did agree that the warring sides should be brought together at a peace conference as early as July, but its timing is under question with one source saying could be delayed until August.