Time Magazine
Syria Accepts Russian Proposal to Surrender Chemical Weapons
Syria has accepted Russia’s proposal that it surrender control over its chemical weapons, the Foreign Minister said, a new step toward a potential diplomatic solution to the ongoing standoff over Syria’s use of chemical weapons.
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said Tuesday that his government agreed to the plan so as to “derail the U.S. aggression,” the Associated Press reports. Russia, which proposed the option Monday, is working with Syria to produce a detailed action plan that will be finalized with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the Russian foreign minister said.
France, initially a strong supporter of a military strike on Syria, said Tuesday in a separate statement that it intended to propose a UN Security Council resolution in support of the Russian-backed plan, which has also won support from China. Both Russia and China oppose a military strike, eliminating the chance for a UN-backed operation. The Arab League president told reporters Tuesday that he supported the Russian proposal.
President Obama on Monday expressed deep skepticism over the plan but said it was “potentially a significant breakthrough.” He plans to deliver a national address Tuesday on the Syrian crisis.