28/08/2013

UK National Security Hold Emergency Meeting Over Syria

An emergency meeting of the UK's National Security Council (NSC) is underway to discuss the ongoing situation in Syria and a possible response.

The meeting is being chaired by David Cameron and follows the drafting of the UN Security Council resolution, which authorises "necessary measures" being used in response to reports of chemical weapons being used against Syrian civilians.

Military intervention in Syria has been being discussed in the wake of a suspected chemical attack neat Damascus on August 21. It is claimed that hundred of civilians were killed in the attack.

The Syrian government have denied involvement in the attack, blaming opposition figures.

The UN resolution, however, condemns "chemical weapons attack by [Syrian President] Assad".

It is understood that Cameron has yet to decide on what response, if any, should be made, but a Downing Street spokesman is reported as saying that any response would be "legal and specific" to that attack.

The UN Security Council is made up of 15 members, including permanent members China, Russia, France, the US and the UK, which have the power to veto any resolution.

The draft resolution is due to go before the five permanent members at a meeting in New York later today.

(MH/JP)

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