Conflicting claims on Syrian chemical weapons

A report has emerged saying Syrian rebels backed by Saudi Arabia were responsible for the use of chemical weapons, not the government.

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Arab countries Foreign ministers attendg a meeting of the Arab League on Syria. (Getty)

The United States, Britain, France and the Arab League all accuse the Syrian government of being responsible for a chemical weapons attack in Syria but are yet to provide any conclusive proof.

Secretary of State John Kerry says the US has evidence the chemical nerve agent sarin was used in last month's attack.

But as debate over the merits of any military intervention in Syria continues, a report has emerged saying rebels backed by Saudi Arabia were responsible for the attack.

The American online news site, MintPress News, has published a story suggesting Saudi Arabia's intelligence chief, Prince Bandar bin Sultan, has questions to answer over the chemical weapons attack on August the 21st.

Journalists Dale Gavlak and Yahya Ababneh compiled their story based on interviews with doctors, rebel fighters and their families from the district of Ghouta.

Rebels quoted anonymously say Prince Bandar bin Sultan provided the chemical weapons and one suggests the attack was, at least in part, an accident.

"We were very curious about these arms. And unfortunately, some of the fighters handled the weapons improperly and set off the explosions."

The article also quotes Abu Abdel-Moneim, the father of a rebel fighting to unseat Assad, who lives in Ghouta.

"My son came to me two weeks ago asking what I thought the weapons were that he had been asked to carry."

United States President Barack Obama is promising punitive action against the Syrian government but wants Congress to approve it first, which would delay any decision until later this month.

Secretary of State John Kerry says the case for US military strikes is growing.

"In the last 24 hours, we have learned through samples that were provided to the United States and that have now been tested from first responders in East Damascus, (that) hair samples and blood samples have tested positive for signatures of sarin. So this case is building and this case will build.

But lobby group Australians for Reconciliation in Syria says any military intervention would be an extreme escalation of the conflict.

National co-ordinator Susan Dirgham says she's hoping and praying that America doesn't launch an attack.

"I'm just hoping that there's enough of the truth out there, there's enough chatter on the internet, there's enough pressure from politicians that it won't happen, I'm just praying it won't happen.

Meanwhile Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister, Faisal Mekdad, has told the BBC any US military intervention would be counter-productive.

"More hatred for the Americans, more weakening of international institutions, terrorism will flourish everywhere." (Interviewer) "Did you use chemical weapons?" "No, absolutely not, chemical weapons and agents were used by the armed groups who are supported by the United States, by Turkey, by Saudi Arabia among others. The entire region is on fire, not only in Syria."


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3 min read

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By Greg Dyett
Source: SBS

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Conflicting claims on Syrian chemical weapons | SBS News