Putin warns of future chemical weapons ‘provocations’ in Syria

Russia has received intelligence about planned “provocations” using chemical weapons that would put the blame on the Syrian government, Russian President Vladimir Putin said following talks with his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella.

“We have information that a similar provocation is being prepared in other parts of Syria including in the southern Damascus suburbs where they are planning to again plant some substance and accuse the Syrian authorities of using (chemical weapons),” the President said.

Putin also said that Russia will appeal to the United Nations to investigate last week’s chemical attack in Syria. “All incidents reminiscent of the chemical attacks that took place in Idlib must be thoroughly investigated,” Sputnik cited him as saying.

President also pointed out that the latest US missile strikes in Syria bring to mind the United States’ UN Security Council address in 2003 that led to the invasion of Iraq, an address which has now been thorougly debunked as using flawed information to garner global support for an invasion. (Vestnik Kavkaza)