Chemical weapons: Assad makes decision "for Russia"
That's what the Syrian president stated, confirming on Thursday the 11th that he will place the country's chemical weapons arsenal under international control; according to him, however, the decision will be made "by Russia" and not "by threats from the United States."
Renata Giraldi*
Reporter from Agência Brasil
Brasilia – Syrian President Bashar Al Assad confirmed today (12) that he will place the country's chemical weapons arsenal under international control. Assad said he will make the decision "for Russia" and not "because of threats from the United States." The US government agreed to temporarily suspend discussions on military intervention while negotiations are underway for the destruction of chemical weapons.
Assad's statements were made in an interview with a Russian broadcaster, at the same time that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry were meeting to discuss the destruction of chemical weapons.
The intention of the Russian and American authorities is to call in foreign experts to monitor the work, choose an area for the destruction of the chemical arsenal, and encourage the Syrian government to adhere to the Chemical Weapons Convention.
*With information from the Portuguese public news agency, Lusa.
Edited by: Davi Oliveira