“I have been presented with concrete
information and, without going into details, I can tell you that
personally I am convinced, not only that a chemical attack has taken
place… but I am also convinced that the Syrian regime is responsible,”
Rasmussen said.
The NATO chief said a strong international
reaction to the attack was needed in order to show dictators around the
world that such weapons cannot be used with impunity.
“We need a firm international response in
order to avoid that chemical attacks take place in the future. It would
send, I would say, a dangerous signal to dictators all over the world if
we stand idly by and don’t react,” he said.
His comment came two days after US President
Barack Obama backed off imminent military action against Syria, instead
opting to await Congressional approval.
Rasmussen said the alliance would not take
part in any military action, but maintained that it would remain a
strong defender of Turkey in case the member state was attacked as part
of the Syria crisis, and NATO would remain a forum for allies to consult
about action. More
