Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said yesterday that Russia is ultimately responsible for the Syrian government’s use of chemical weapons. “Russia ultimately bears responsibility for the victims in Eastern Ghouta and countless other Syrians targeted with chemical weapons since Russia became involved in Syria,” Tillerson said.
He also questioned Russia’s intentions in resolving the Syrian Civil War that has been raging since 2011. “Russia’s failure to resolve the chemical weapons issue in Syria calls into question its relevance to the resolution to the overall crisis,” Tillerson added.
The statements came a day after reports that Bashar Assad’s regime may have used chlorine gas in an attack in Eastern Ghouta, an area near the capital of Damascus, on Monday. Nearly 20 civilians were killed. The Syrian government has denied using chemical weapons.
The U.S., France, England and others attended a Chemical Weapons Convention Monday, where they formed a partnership that looks to punish the perpetrators of chemical weapons attacks. “Over 25 like-minded countries are here today to ensure that those who use chemical weapons will be held accountable,” Tillerson said.
“This initiative puts those who ordered and carried out chemical weapons attacks on notice. You will face a day of reckoning for your crimes against humanity and your victims will see justice done,” he added.