EP President: Use of CWs presents a red line

BRUSSELS, April 16 (KUNA) -- President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani said Monday that, "Parliament must make it loud and clear that the use of chemical weapons is unacceptable and represents a red line that cannot be crossed with impunity." Speaking at the opening session of the EP in Strasbourg this evening he said "the dramatic situation must dispel any doubts about the need and urgency of building an increasingly incisive common foreign and defence policy. The current debate on the next budget is an essential test of our willingness to provide ourselves with the resources needed to be a real global player." According to an EP press release, leaders of political groups in the EP intervened, condemning the use of chemical weapons.
Most expressed support for the US, French and British military strikes in order to stop the Assad regime's "war crimes", whilst some criticised the military for operating without an international mandate.
De-escalation and peace talks involving all actors and led by the UN must start as soon as possible, they said. (end) nk.ibi