Amid continuing indications of an American push for a limited military strike against Syria, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appealed for a diplomatic solution and made the case for letting UN inspectors complete their investigation over the alleged use of chemical weapons.
In a separate move, British-moved resolution was rejected at UNSC meet on Wednesday. British Prime Minister David Cameron, who has been in touch with US President Barack Obama on the issue, said in Twitter posts that a draft resolution would be put forth at a meeting of UNSC’s five permanent members later on Wednesday.
In what is seen as a move to seek UN backing for a military strike, despite clear Russian warnings on this score, Cameron wrote: “We’ve always said we want the UN Security Council to live up to its responsibilities on Syria. Today they have an opportunity to do that.”
The British move came close on the heels of the UN chief’s pointed remarks against a military offensive during a speech in The Hague, where he took part in centenary celebrations of the Peace Palace.
Stating that UN investigators were in Syria to probe the August 21 strike that killed 355 people, Ban said: “It is essential to establish the facts. A UN investigation team is now on the ground to do just that. Just days after the attack, they have collected valuable samples and interviewed victims and witnesses. The team needs time to do its job. Give peace a chance, give diplomacy a chance, stop fighting and start talking.”
Ban also called upon the UNSC to deal with the issue, commenting that its permanent members, who have been bitterly divided over Syria, should not go “missing in action” as the crisis deepens.Prior to Ban’s address and the British plan to move the UNSC, the Obama administration kept up the verbal offensive, with Vice President Joe Biden blaming the Assad regime for the attack.
“There is no doubt who is responsible for this heinous use of chemical weapons in Syria -- the Syrian regime,” said Biden, adding: “The president believes and I believe that those who use chemical weapons against defenceless men, women and children should and must be held accountable.”
And the Pentagon said it’s “ready to go” the moment it gets orders to carry out a military strike. Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel has said that the US Navy has four destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea positioned within range of targets inside Syria.
American public, however, is totally war-weary, with a new Reuters/Ipsos poll revealing that only 9 per cent of respondents were supportive of a US military intervention in Syria.