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Middle East and North Africa

William Hague: UK and its allies may respond to Syrian chemical attacks without UN backing

Earlier China and Russia blocked attempts of Western states to adopt a UN Security Council resolution opening a gate to military intervention in Syria

Photo ITAR-TASS/Stanislav Krasilnikov

Photo ITAR-TASS/Stanislav Krasilnikov

LONDON, August 26. (Itar-Tass). – Western states are ready to act in Syria without backing of the UN Security Council, Britain’s Foreign Secretary William Hague said in an interview to Radio BBC 4. He added that the US, the UK and their allies are ready to respond to the alleged chemical weapons use in Damask’s suburbs of which they blame Syrian authorities.

“Is it possible to respond to chemical weapons without complete unity on the UN Security Council? I would argue yes, otherwise it might be impossible to respond to such outrageous crime,” William Hague said.

Earlier China and Russia blocked attempts of Western states to adopt a UN Security Council resolution opening a gate to military intervention in Syria.

“The UN Security Council has not been united on Syria, he’s not shouldered responsibilities on Syria, bluntly, otherwise there would have been a better chance of bringing this conflict to an end a long time ago,” UK’s Foreign Secretary admitted.

“Whatever we do will be in accordance with international law and will be based on legal advice to the National Security Council and the Cabinet,” William Hague stated.

Speaking on scenarios that the US, UK and their allies might follow towards Syria, the Foreign Secretary refused to give further comments on the matter, stating, however, that these options are being currently discussed with the US and other countries. William Hague once again stressed that it was very important to act in accordance with international law and have broad support to ensure that chemical weapons couldn’t be used with impunity.

William Hague added that the options would be considered shortly and that there would be meetings within the Cabinet on Tuesday, assuring that additional details on the matter will be made public timely.

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