DHAKA: The United States is continuing to seek an “international coalition” for action against Syria’s alleged use of chemical weapons against civilians, after the UK parliament rejected a resolution endorsing such action, the US Defence Secretary has said.

Chuck Hagel said on Friday that his country would continue to seek international partners who would “act together” in response to alleged chemical weapons attack on August 21.

The US Defence Secretary’s comments came hours after UK Prime Minister David Cameron was dealt an unexpected blow in parliament, with MPs voting against authorising military action in Syria by 285 to 272 votes.

Thursday evening’s vote was non-binding, but in practice the rejection of military strikes means Cameron’s hands are tied.

Philip Hammond, the UK’s defence secretary, said that Britain would not take part in any military action.

Despite the outcome of the vote, the US said it would “continue to consult” with London, “one of our closest allies and friends”.

“President Obama’s decision-making will be guided by what is in the best interests of the United States,” a White House statement said.

It added that Obama “believes that there are core interests at stake for the United States and that countries who violate international norms regarding chemical weapons need to be held accountable”.

On Friday, PM Cameron said that he regretted the failure of the UK’s parliament to approve the action, but that he hoped that “the American public, the American people and President Obama will understand” the need to listen to the will of his parliament.

Source: Aljazeera

BDST: 1817 HRS, AUG 30, 2013
GR/SR/RK