Putin: US Claims over Chemical Weapons in Syria ’Utter Nonsense’

Local Editor

Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Saturday US claims that Syria's regime used chemical weapons, describing them as "utter nonsense".

Putin challenged Washington to present the evidence behind its claims to the United Nations Security Council.
"Claims that the proof exists, but is classified and cannot be presented to anybody are below criticism. This is plain disrespect for their partners," he said.
In parallel, the Russian President said that his country denounced the use of chemical weapons and was ready for "consolidated participation in drafting measures to oppose such acts."

He also denied discussing possible US military strikes on Syrian targets with his US counterpart Barack Obama on the phone.
"Regarding the position of our American colleagues, who affirm that government troops used... chemical weapons, and say that they have proof, well, let them show it to the United Nations inspectors and the Security Council," he told journalists. "If they don't show it, that means there is none."

"If the United States begins unilateral military operations against Syria it will be extremely sad," the Russian President confirmed.
Speaking to journalists in the Russian far-eastern city of Vladivostok, Putin urged Obama - as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate - to think about future victims in Syria before using force.

He said it was ridiculous to suggest the Syrian government was to blame for the 21 August attack.
"Syrian government troops are on the offensive and have surrounded the opposition in several regions," he said, and pointed out that "in these conditions, to give a trump card to those who are calling for a military intervention is utter nonsense."

Putin also said that next week's G20 summit in St Petersburg could be a platform to discuss a resolution to the crisis.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team