Merkel rules out Germany's participation in Syria's war
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has excluded her country's participation in a potential military attack against Syria, but does support the efforts of other countries to counteract the use of toxic substances. "We support that everything is done to point out that this use of chemical weapons is unacceptable," said the German Chancellor during a visit to Berlin by the Prime Minister of Denmark, Lars Lokke Rasmussen.
Berlin considers "unacceptable" the chemical attack perpetrated last weekend in the city of Duma, said the chancellor. For Merkel, "there is great evidence" that after the use of poison gas in the city of Duma hides the hand of Syrian President Bashar Asad. However, she reiterated that Germany will not participate in the military action, without giving more details or arguments.
This Thursday, Merkel has spoken by phone about Syria with the president of France, Emmanuel Macron. During that dialogue, both leaders have expressed their "common concern about the recent use of toxic gas." The German Chancellor believes it is necessary to consider "a full spectrum of response measures" and stressed that "it is important to show unity" among the allies regarding the situation in that Middle East country. For its part, Macron has stated that it has "evidence" that the government of Bashar al Assad is responsible for launching the alleged chemical attack in the Syrian city of Duma (Guta Oriental, Syria) on April 7, but has warned that the response measures will be taken "when all the information is reviewed".
The spokesman of the German Government, Steffen Seibert, indicated that Merkel and Macron intend to continue addressing these issues together with their allies. The German position, however, contrasts with the proactive character shown by the French president, who is seriously considering the possibility of an attack on the Syrian regime. The decision of Berlin could affect the recomposition of the Franco-German axis, after both countries have shown great harmony in their foreign policy in recent months, with the reactivation of the European project as the main asset.
For its part, the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces has stated that no injuries or bodies of victims were found in Duma (Syria) after the alleged chemical attack reported on the site. Russian military experts in radiation, chemicals and biological protection took "soil samples" at the site of the alleged incident and their analysis "showed the absence of nerve and toxic substances with chlorine." According to a representative of the Russian General Staff, on April 7, the most recent attempt was made to "fabricate false evidence of alleged use of toxic substances by the Syrian authorities in East Guta."