Hague says Syria preparing to use chemical weaponsDecember 8, 2012 - 18:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - British Foreign Secretary William Hague says the UK and the US have seen evidence that Syria is preparing to use chemical weapons, according to BBC News. Mr Hague said there was "enough evidence to know that they need a warning". The foreign secretary did not give details, as he said the evidence had come from "intelligence sources". A Syrian official insisted last week that it would "never, under any circumstances" use such weapons. That statement followed a warning on Monday from U.S. President Barack Obama that there would be consequences if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons against his people. Mr Hague said: "The president of the United States warned of serious consequences and he means it." He said he could understand why the public might be sceptical after the blunders made over Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction 10 years ago. Hague, speaking while at a security conference in Bahrain, said the use of chemical weapons would be a "major change" and said he hoped that Syria would heed the warnings. Western military sources in the Gulf have told the BBC that Syria's chemical weapons are concentrated at five air bases and are being closely watched. They say contingency plans have been drawn up if they show signs of being readied to be loaded and used as weapons. Meanwhile, Syrian rebel fighters are maintaining their offensive against Damascus airport, which they say is a "fair target". Rebel spokesmen say the airport is being used by the Syrian military and that it should be avoided by civilians. There has been fierce fighting in recent weeks in the countryside around Damascus, known as the Ghouta. The city's international airport has been inaccessible or closed to civilian flights repeatedly over the past two weeks. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |