From the Liveblog of
Monday, March 12, 2018
US warns ‘outlaw’ Syrian regime it will act against chemical attacks
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleUNITED NATIONS — The United States on Monday warns it is ready to act in Syria, if needed, to end chemical attacks and “inhuman suffering,” as it pushes for a new 30-day ceasefire in Eastern Ghouta.
US Ambassador Nikki Haley tells the UN Security Council that a ceasefire approved two weeks ago “has failed” and circulates a new draft resolution calling for a 30-day truce in the rebel enclave and Damascus.
“This is no ceasefire. This is the Assad regime, Iran, and Russia continuing to wage war against their political opponents,” Haley says.
The US ambassador recalls that President Donald Trump had ordered missile strikes on a Syrian air base in April last year in retaliation for a sarin gas attack blamed on President Bashar Assad’s forces.
“We also warn any nation that is determined to impose its will through chemical attacks and inhuman suffering, most especially the outlaw Syrian regime: the United States remains prepared to act if we must,” Haley says.
The US-drafted text seen by AFP would decide on a 30-day cessation of hostilities throughout Eastern Ghouta and Damascus City to begin immediately upon adoption.
The draft resolution would allow “safe, unimpeded and sustained access” for humanitarian aid convoys and “safe, unconditional, medical evacuations in Eastern Ghouta.”
Haley says the text “provides no room for evasion,” after accusing Russia of voting in favor of the ceasefire resolution and immediately disregarding it.
— AFP
The Times of Israel Community.