Athletes from Syria should not be punished by being excluded from the London 2012 Olympic Games, Prime Minister David Cameron says.

I don't think we should punish the athletes for the sins of the region," he was quoted as saying by The Independent.

"Syrian athletes will be taking part in the Games, and that is right, but let's be absolutely clear: Britain has led efforts within the European Union and elsewhere to institute asset bans, travel freezes and punishing sanctions against this despicable regime and anyone covered by one of those travel bans will not be welcomed in London."