ACDP welcomes Russian support for investigations into chemical attacks

MEDIA RELEASE
Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip
27th August 2013

ACDP welcomes Russian support for investigations into chemical attacks

* Cautions against Western powers escalating situation forcing world powers to take sides

* Unilateral attacks in retaliation could have unintended consequences and prove disastrous for all concerned

"The ACDP welcomes Russia's more reasonable response in not opposing investigations into chemical attacks, by UN chemical weapons experts.

"It will be important for global powers to work together to find ways to help Syria move forward and to minimize the potential for loss of life and further destruction," Cheryllyn Dudley said.

ACDP MP and Member of the International Relations Committee in Parliament said today that: "The ACDP recognises legitimate concerns that the Syrian situation presents a significant threat but cautions against Western powers moving ahead of themselves and exacerbating the situation or even escalating it by forcing world powers to take sides actively."

Russia warned Western powers on Monday against any military intervention in Syria, saying the use of force without a United Nations (UN) mandate would violate international law and that Washington and its allies would be repeating "past mistakes" if they intervened in Syria.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has said Russia and China would probably veto a Security Council vote to allow strikes against Syria.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague, however, said it would still be possible to respond to a chemical weapon attack without the Security Council's backing.

"Any change of government in Syria must be the result of a political process and relevant political pressure must be put on the present regime - Russia will be key in this regard".

"Unilateral attacks on Syria in retaliation to use of chemical weapons could have many unintended consequences and prove disastrous for all concerned," Dudley added.