US requests UN vote on Syria chemical inquiry

The United States has asked the UN Security Council to vote Tuesday on its proposal to set up an inquiry to investigate chemical weapons attacks in Syria, but the measure could face a veto from Russia, diplomats said.

The US push for a vote expected at 3:00 pm (1900 GMT) comes amid warnings from President Donald Trump of possible military action in response to an alleged toxic gas attack in the Syrian rebel-held town of Douma.

Syria allies bear 'particular responsibility' says France

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said Tuesday in Paris that allies of the Syrian regime bore "particular responsibility" for a recent suspected chemical attack that has sparked international outrage.
"The use of these weapons is not neutral, it says things about the regime and our reaction to the use of these weapons will say things about who we are," Philippe told parliament.
"It reveals the capacity and the will to use weapons which are outlawed by international law," he said.
"The allies of the regime bear a particular responsibility in this massacre," he said of alleged use of toxic gas against the rebel-held enclave of Douma on Saturday, which first responders said killed more than 40 people.
"There can be no credible diplomacy if such atrocities are not met with a strong, united and resolute response from the international community," Philippe said.