U.S. seeking international coalition in Syria issue: Hagel

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U.S. seeking international coalition in Syria issue: Hagel

(Xinhua) 19:11, August 30, 2013

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MANILA, Aug. 30-- United States Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said here on Friday that the United States is presently seeking an international coalition, especially the one among its allies, in response to the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Syria government.

Hagel, during a joint press conference held at the Heroes Hall in Philippine Presidential Palace, said there is a need to seek consultations with its allies in response to Syria's alleged actions.

The Syrian government forces are accused of being behind a chemical attack on a Damascus suburb on Aug. 21 that reportedly killed hundreds of people.

"As to an international effort and collaboration, it is the goal of President (Barack) Obama and our government to whatever decision is taking, that it be an international collaboration and an effort," Hagel said.

"We are continuing to consult with the British as we are with all of our allies and partners; and that consultation includes ways forward together on our response to this chemical weapons attack in Syria," he said.

Hagel also said that Washington respected the position of the British parliament in rejecting participation in any punitive strikes against Syria's regime.

Britain's House of Commons on Thursday voted to reject the British government's motion on military action against Syria. The motion was defeated by 272 votes to 285.

"Every nation has responsibility to make their own decisions, and we respect that of any nation ... So, our approach is to continue to find an international coalition that will act together and I think you're seeing a number of countries publicly state their position on the use of chemical weapons," Hagel concluded.

（Editor：DuMingming、Liang Jun）