The U.S. and Russia have been lashing out at each other for months over the issue of accountability for chemical attacks in Syria, which is a close ally of Moscow. The latest clash comes amid reports of suspected chemical attacks in the embattled rebel-held Damascus suburbs of eastern Ghouta. French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated Friday that the use of lethal chemical weapons, if proven, would lead to a strong response. Nebenzia accused the JIM of accusing Syria of using chemical weapons without identifying any perpetrators. Council diplomats said Russia put its draft resolution “in blue” late Thursday, which means it can be put to a vote when they ask.

Source: National Post March 02, 2018 17:34 UTC