Saudi Arabia says consulting allies over Syria response
Adel al-Jubeir talked to media in Paris.
PARIS (AFP) - Saudi Arabia is consulting with its allies about how to respond to alleged chemical attacks in Syria, the kingdom’s foreign minister said Tuesday, in comments that did not rule out military action.
"Our position is that those who are responsible for the use of chemical weapons must be held accountable and be brought to justice," Adel al-Jubeir told reporters in Paris during a visit by the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
"There are consultations underway with a number of countries with regards to what steps to take to deal with this issue," he said.
The US, France and Britain have ramped up pressure on Syria’s government by pledging to take action over the alleged use of toxic gas against civilians in Douma on Saturday, when more than 40 people may have died.
Asked if Saudi Arabia would join any punitive military action against the Syrian regime, Jubeir said: "All I can say is that there are discussions on the options available to deal with this matter."
US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Monday that Washington is working with countries "from NATO to Qatar and elsewhere", suggesting that allies are being encouraged to mount a common response.
