Iranian President Hassan Rowhani on Saturday pointed to the use of chemical weapons in Syria, several days after opposition groups said chemical strikes near Damascus killed hundreds, AFP reported.
Rouhani strongly condemnes the use of chemical weapons, Iran-run news agency (IRNA), He made the remarks after he and his cabinet members attended the mausoleum of the late Imam Khomeini in downtown Tehran to renew allegiance to the Founder of the Islamic Republic.
The new elected Iranian President has expressed regret over the current situation in the region, he stressed that a large number of innocent people have been killed or wounded in the recent chemical attack in Syria, IRNA said."The situation prevailing in Syria today and the death of a certain number of innocent people caused by chemical weapons is very distressing," said Rowhani, adding that Iran, itself a victim of chemical attacks in its 1980-1988 war with Iraq, "totally and vigorously condemned the use of chemical weapons".
His comments came as a top UN official was to visit Syria Saturday for talks as demands grew for a prompt probe into opposition claims the regime unleashed a chemical attack, France Press Agency said.
US President Barack Obama said the alleged use of chemical weapons was "a big event of grave concern," while Russia hit out at calls for force against its ally Syria.
US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel strongly suggested the Pentagon was moving forces into place ahead of possible military action against Syria, even as Obama voiced caution.
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