Tensions in Syria increase

The world is responding to allegations that Syria is standing in the way of an investigation into a possible chemical attack against its own people.

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird says Syria’s civil war is entering a new dark chapter. He calls this morning’s sniper attack on a U.N. convoy investigating the alleged atrocity “abhorrent”. Baird says the best solution to the crisis is a political one.

“Canada believes the only way to halt the bloodshed in Syria is a political solution, however we understand that the solution is becoming more and more difficult as the crisis enters a very dangerous new phase. The complete obfuscation of Russia on the Security Council of the United Nations needs to end and they need to become a part of the solution”.

And the U.S. has issued this stern warning to the President of Syria, saying “The use of chemical weapons will not go unpunished”.

In a powerful statement delivered at the White House, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says the Obama administration believes chemical weapons were used in an attack that killed 1,500 people. He went on to accuse the Assad regime of destroying evidence and preventing U.N. officials from properly investigating the scene.

U.N. officials remain on the ground in Syria visiting hospitals, interviewing witnesses, survivors, and doctors while also collecting samples.