French president: "Determined to punish Syria" • Assad: "Assault will lead to war"

Syrian President refers for the first time to the international crisis surrounding the use of chemical weapons in his country.

Syrian President Bashar Assad warned this evening the West (Monday) in an interview with the French newspaper "Le Figaro" and says: "The Middle East is a barrel of gunpowder, and no one knows what will happen if the West will attack. Military attack on Syrian soil could ignite a regional war."

Syrian president added that France would have to face the consequences if you take some of the offensive led by the United States.

President denied the use of chemical weapons by the army, saying: "Anyone who accuses us of using chemical weapons must provide evidence of that, but the United States and France could not do it."

When Syrian President was asked if the Syrian army has such weapons, he evaded the question and said: "Let's say we want to use weapons of mass destruction, is it possible that we do so without hurting our soldiers themselves? Where is the logic?"
About the likely reaction of the Syrian attack on its territory, Assad said: "It is better not to talk about our response. Nobody knows what will happen. There is risk of the outbreak of a regional war. Anyone facilitating and financing such a thing - is the enemy of the Syrian people. Anyone who works against our interests and also our citizens are the enemy. French are not our enemies, but to all such involvement will be consequences."

Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Jean - Marc presented to members of parliament a report which includes evidence that the regime used chemical weapons in the suburbs of Damascus two weeks ago, an event that killed according to the U.S. government, 1429 people, including 426 children.

The report's findings establish that at least 281 people were killed in two attacks before that on August 21. These took place in Sarkib in the north of the country near the city of Idlib and the Damascus suburb Jubara.
The report includes satellite photos showing that chemical rockets were launched from areas controlled by the regime, Damascus east and west, and the goal was to hit areas controlled by the rebels.

"Unlike previous attacks that use small amounts regime of chemicals, this attack was tactical and designed to capture territory," said a French source.

Iroh said that his country was interested in putting together a coalition of countries to support military action against Syria. "There must be a response to a chemical attack, but France will not act alone. Holland President continues attempts to form a coalition without delay.

The president added that "France is determined to punish the regime and take a strong response; the only solution to the crisis is political. Alternatives are toppling the regime or release of state.

Day after the French parliament is expected to discuss the issue, due to increasing pressure to hold a vote on the possibility of involvement in the attack in Syria.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!