Putin: Accusing Syrian Army of Chemical Weapons Use “Nonsense”, US Should Present Evidence to UNSC

MOSCOW- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday stressed Russia’s confidence that the Syrian government didn’t use chemical weapon in the military operations against armed terrorist groups in the country.

“Allegations of Syrian government forces use of chemical weapons in Syria are complete nonsense and provocative”, Putin said in a statement to journalists, stressing that calls for striking Syria are made because of the successes being achieved by the Syrian Arab Army and the retreat of the armed “opposition”. 

Addressing Obama as Nobel Peace Laureate, Putin urged him to “think about victims in Syria in case of US intervention” and called on the US to present its supposed evidence to the UN Security Council.

He pointed out that it will be “extremely regrettable” if Washington kicked off unilateral military operation against Syria, urging the US administration to think deeply before adopting any decision.  

Putin also said that UK Parliament’s decision regarding operation in Syria shows that there are wise decisions and people guided by common sense.

Washington has been basing its proposed strategy of an attack on Syria on claims that the Syrian government forces have used chemical agents, while Russia finds the accusations unacceptable and the idea of performing a military strike on the country even more so. Especially as it would constitute a violation of international law, if carried out without the approval of the UN Security Council.

On Friday, Washington said a plan for a “limited” military response was in the works to “punish” the Syrian government for what it called a “brutal and flagrant” chemical attack that allegedly killed hundreds of people in Damascus 10 days ago.

The Syrian government has dismissed as untrue and baseless all allegations of chemical weapons use, calling the accusation preposterous and pointing its own accusations against armed groups, especially Al-Qaeda-linked extremists.

Putin also noted that next week’s G20 Summit in Russia’s St Petersburg could be a good platform to discuss Syria crisis.

“The G20 is a good forum for discussing the problem in Syria, so why not take advantage of this?” Putin said.

H. Mustafa