Syria strike could worsen conflict: Ban

UN leader Ban Ki-moon has suggested that a military strike on Syria over the use of chemical weapons could worsen the country's conflict.

But Ban also insisted that the bitterly divided major powers on the UN Security Council have a "collective responsibility to humankind" to unite and halt the use of chemical weapons.

Without opposing any military strike that the US and some of its allies are considering, Ban urged caution.

"We must consider the impact of any punitive measure on efforts to prevent further bloodshed and facilitate the political resolution of the conflict," Ban told a press briefing at the UN headquarters.

"Everything should be handled within the framework of the United Nations Charter," he added. "The use of force is lawful only when in exercise of self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and, or when the Security Council approves such action."

Among the five permanent members of the Security Council Russia and China strongly oppose any military strike. The US and its allies say action must be taken.