DHAKA: Russian president Vladimir Putin has challenged the US to present to the UN evidence that Syria was responsible for chemical weapons attacks.

Putin said it would be ‘utter nonsense’ for Syria’s government to provoke opponents with such attacks when it was in a position of strength, reports the BBC.

US president Barack Obama has said he is considering military action against Syria based on intelligence reports.

Putin’s remarks came after UN weapons inspectors had left Syria.

They crossed into neighbouring Lebanon after four days of inspections, including investigations of what happened in the Damascus suburbs on 21 August.

Hundreds of people including children were killed in the suspected chemical weapons attacks, which the US says was carried out by the Syrian government.

Syria said the US claim was ‘full of lies’, blaming rebels for the attacks.

BDST: 1717 HRS, AUG 31, 2013
RoR/RK