WASHINGTON: The United Nations has warned world powers against letting the crisis over an alleged chemical attack against civilians in Syria from “spiraling out of control” after US President Donald Trump said “missiles will be coming”. Tensions mounted as Russia vowed to shoot down any US rockets that threatened their forces in Syria. Bolivia asked for the United Nations Securiyt Council to meet “on the escalation of rhetoric regarding Syria and these threats of unilateral military action,” hours after Trump warned of missile attacks.
Failing to find a diplomatic solution, Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that time was running out. He said, “Today, I called the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the Security Council to reiterate my deep concern about the risks of the current impasse and stresses the need to avoid the situation spiraling out of control.” Both Moscow, and Washington have so far vetoed each other's motions to set up an international investigation into use of chemical weapons. Russian Defense Ministry meanwhile, said the Syrian regime flag was flying in Douma, indicating government forces have taken full control over the formerly rebel-held district of Eastern Ghouta.
Guterres said in a statement, “I have also been closely following developments in the Security Council and regret that the Council has so far been unable to reach agreement on this issue. Today, I called the Ambassadors of the five Permanent Members of the Security Council to reiterate my deep concern about the risks of the current impasse and stressed the need to avoid the situation spiralling out of control.” He added, “Let us not forget that, ultimately, our efforts must be about ending the terrible suffering of the Syrian people.”
