Hague says Syria preparing to use chemical weaponsDecember 8, 2012 - 18:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - British Foreign Secretary William Hague says the UK and the US have seen evidence that Syria is preparing to use chemical weapons, according to BBC News. Mr Hague said there was "enough evidence to know that they need a warning". The foreign secretary did not give details, as he said the evidence had come from "intelligence sources". A Syrian official insisted last week that it would "never, under any circumstances" use such weapons. That statement followed a warning on Monday from U.S. President Barack Obama that there would be consequences if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons against his people. Mr Hague said: "The president of the United States warned of serious consequences and he means it." He said he could understand why the public might be sceptical after the blunders made over Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction 10 years ago. Hague, speaking while at a security conference in Bahrain, said the use of chemical weapons would be a "major change" and said he hoped that Syria would heed the warnings. Western military sources in the Gulf have told the BBC that Syria's chemical weapons are concentrated at five air bases and are being closely watched. They say contingency plans have been drawn up if they show signs of being readied to be loaded and used as weapons. Meanwhile, Syrian rebel fighters are maintaining their offensive against Damascus airport, which they say is a "fair target". Rebel spokesmen say the airport is being used by the Syrian military and that it should be avoided by civilians. There has been fierce fighting in recent weeks in the countryside around Damascus, known as the Ghouta. The city's international airport has been inaccessible or closed to civilian flights repeatedly over the past two weeks. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |