MOSCOW, (PNA/RIA Novosti) –Britain and Germany have welcomed a Russian proposal to avert a looming attack on Syria by placing stockpiles of chemical weapons in the war-torn country under international control.
Russia seems to have gained a diplomatic initiative in the Syrian standoff by offering on Monday to persuade the Syrians to hand over control of its chemical weapons and to have them subsequently destroyed.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said Monday that putting Syria’s chemical weapons under international supervision “would be a big step forward and should be encouraged.”
“If that were to be the case it would be hugely welcome,” Cameron said addressing British lawmakers.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the Russian proposal was “interesting” but added that it should be followed by “action.”
“If this is followed by action and not about buying time and this materializes, then Germany will push for that road to be followed,” she said on German television.
Both Britain and Germany have earlier vowed not to take part in any military action against Bashar Assad’s regime pursued by the United States in response to an alleged August 21 chemical weapons attack on rebels that reportedly killed over 1,400 people.
Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama on Monday called the Russian proposal ‘potentially positive’ but expressed caution that it could be an attempt to stall US military action against Syria.
Obama is expected to meet with Democratic and Republican senators and give a televised address to the nation over plans to attack Syria on Tuesday.