UN chief Guterres urges restraint after strikes on Syria
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday warned against any further escalation after the U.S., U.K., and France jointly launched airstrikes targeting the Assad regime's alleged chemical weapons capabilities in Syria.
- World
- AFP
- Published Date: 12:00 | 14 April 2018
- Modified Date: 10:58 | 14 April 2018
Guterres delayed a planned trip to Saudi Arabia to deal with the aftermath of the military action.
"I urge all member states to show restraint in these dangerous circumstances and to avoid any acts that could escalate the situation and worsen the suffering of the Syrian people," Guterres said in a statement.
The military operation was ordered in retaliation for the repeated use of chemical weapons by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces against civilians.
"Any use of chemical weapons is abhorrent. The suffering it causes is horrendous," Guterres said.
The UN chief said it was important to act in line with the UN charter and international law.
He urged the UN Security Council to agree on establishing an inquiry that would identify the perpetrators of chemical attacks.
Russia this week vetoed a US proposal to set up such a panel following an alleged chemical weapons attack on the rebel-held town of Douma that killed more than 40 people, according to medics and rescuers.
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