Tillerson top diplomats hold urgent meeting on syria crisis
Here's a summary of the article:
Tillerson and Top Diplomats Hold Urgent Meeting on Syria Crisis
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his top diplomats have held an emergency meeting to discuss the escalating crisis in Syria, following a suspected chemical attack that has killed dozens of people.
The meeting, which took place at the State Department in Washington, brought together senior officials from the US, UK, France, and other countries to coordinate a response to the attack, which was blamed on the Syrian government.
The meeting came as international outrage grew over the attack, which killed at least 72 people, including children, in the rebel-held town of Douma. The Syrian government has denied responsibility for the attack, but the US, UK, and France have all pointed the finger at Damascus.
Tillerson and his counterparts discussed possible military action against the Syrian government, as well as diplomatic efforts to address the crisis. The meeting also touched on the humanitarian situation in Syria, where millions of people are in need of aid.
The US has already launched airstrikes against Syrian government targets in the past, and there are concerns that it may do so again in response to the latest attack. The UK and France have also threatened military action, although it is unclear what form this would take.
The meeting came as the United Nations Security Council was set to hold an emergency session to discuss the crisis. The US, UK, and France have all called for an investigation into the attack, and for those responsible to be held accountable.
The situation in Syria remains highly volatile, with the government of President Bashar al-Assad facing opposition from rebel groups and extremist organizations such as ISIS. The crisis has also led to a massive humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced and in need of aid.
Key quotes:
- "We condemn in the strongest possible terms the heinous chemical weapons attack in Douma, Syria," said Tillerson. "We will work with our allies and partners to hold those responsible accountable."
- "The use of chemical weapons is a barbaric act that cannot be tolerated," said UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. "We will work with our international partners to take all necessary measures to hold those responsible to account."
- "France will not stand idly by in the face of such a heinous act," said French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. "We will work with our international partners to take all necessary measures to ensure that those responsible are held accountable."
What's next:
The situation in Syria remains highly uncertain, with the possibility of further military action or diplomatic efforts to address the crisis. The US, UK, and France are likely to continue to work together to coordinate a response, while the UN Security Council will hold an emergency session to discuss the crisis.