Imran Khan condemns Obama's stance on Syria

PTI Chairman says it's about time international laws are respected.


Web Desk September 02, 2013
File photo of PTI Chairman Imran Khan. PHOTO: INSAF.PK WEBSITE

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan condemned US Barack Obama's decision to consider carrying out a military strike in Syria on Monday.

A suspected chemical attack near Damascus on August 21 is said to have killed hundreds. The Syrian government has denied any involvement and has instead accused rebel forces for the attacks.

Khan said that the issue of whether the Syrian government used chemical weapons in the Damascus attacks needs to be investigated by UN inspectors and action taken on the basis of UN reports should be in accordance with United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The PTI Chairman said, "the powerful cannot be allowed to break international norms with impunity".

The US president said on Saturday he would seek congressional consent before taking military action against Damascus for its apparent use of chemical weapons.

Calling Obama's decision to seek approval from Congress for military intervention an "internal political issue," Khan said that it did not legitimise the strikes in front of the international community.

He added that Pakistan had also suffered at the hands of the military-intensive approach followed by the US in the form of drone strikes, which were illegal.

He said, "Secretary of State John Kerry's declaration that Congressional approval was not required was a reflection of the militaristic policies displayed by the Obama Administration during its previous and present tenure in office."

"It is time that international laws are respected," Khan continued, adding that this was the only way to curb intra-state and inter-state conflicts.

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