Military attack on Syria would spread conflict - SA

Pretoria is of the view that a military attack would put peace and security in the entire region in danger and close the door on a political solution.

"We are concerned that the use of chemical weapons, as deplorable as it is, will detract from the larger picture of finding a sustainable resolution to the conflict in Syria, which should remain the primary focus of the international community," International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim said on Friday, 6 September 2013.

Speaking to reporters on the current international developments, Ebrahim said the approach to address the Syrian situation should be guided by the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

"The UN Charter, which is the supreme standard of international law, is clear that only the United Nations Security Council can mandate the use of military force, and only if other measures are deemed insufficient in bringing about a peaceful resolution of a conflict situation."

Condemning the use of chemical weapons, Ebrahim said Pretoria's stance on prohibiting the use of chemical weapons was consistent and clear, adding that the precondition or conclusion should be made prior to the release of investigation results.

The biomedical and environmental samples collected by the Swedish scientist Doctor Åke Sellström and his team at sites in Syria where chemical weapons were allegedly used on 21 August, have now arrived at four laboratories in Europe for analyses.

The scientists are working "around the clock" to ensure a rapid result but one that also respects the highest professional standards and without compromising its integrity, according to the UN.

Once results are available, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon would report them "promptly" to the Security Council and all 193 UN Member States.

Ebrahim said the report of the UN inspectors is vital in this regard and its findings should be thoroughly examined for an acceptable way forward.

"The UN Inspectors are uniquely placed to independently establish the facts in an objective and impartial manner," he said, stressing that the investigators' final report should be the basis for a decision.

He said South Africa believed it was essential that a political path be supported by a united, cohesive international effort towards a Syrian-led negotiated political transition aimed at establishing a democratic pluralistic society in which minorities are protected.

In this light, Ebrahim reiterated the call on the members of the UN Security Council to unite in purpose in moving the parties to a negotiated settlement.

South Africa has maintained that only a political solution can serve to resolve the ongoing conflict in Syria and has repeatedly shown its support for an all-inclusive national dialogue, free of any form of violence, intimidation or outside interference, in order to satisfy the legitimate democratic aspirations of the Syrian people.

More than 100,000 people have died, 4.25 million people have been displaced within the country, and at least another two million are now refugees.

US President Barack Obama and his top aides have launched a full-scale political offensive to persuade Congress to approve a military strike against Syria. Congress will vote this week on whether to support his plans.