US ready to take "hard look" at Russian Syria weapons plan

The US today said it is ready to take a "hard look" at a Russian proposal to put Syria's chemical weapons stockpiles under international control though it expressed high scepticism of the Bashar al-Assad regime.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged Syria to place its chemical weapons under international supervision to "avoid military strikes" as the US and its allies escalated efforts to win international backing for military attacks.
"We want to take a hard look at the proposal. We'll obviously discuss the idea with the Russians," Tony Blinken, Deputy National Security Adviser, told reporters at a White House news conference.

"We would welcome a decision and action by Syria to give up its chemical weapons. We welcome any development that bring under international control," he said.
But he added that Syria's "track record to date, doesn't give you a lot of confidence."
The Deputy National Security Adviser said "we'll talk to the Russians about it, but I think finally, it's very important to note that it's clear that this proposal comes in the context of the threat of US action and the pressure that the President (Barack Obama) is exerting."

"So it's even more important that we don't take the pressure off and that Congress give the President the authority he's requested."

He said the US has tried to work with the Russians at the UN on Syria and chemical weapons for months.
"Until now they have blocked all of our initiatives, including simple press statements, never mind a Security Council resolution," he said adding "we want to look hard at what the Russians have proposed, and we will."
"It is also important to note that Syria has one of the largest stockpiles of chemical weapons in the world spread across the country. It would certainly take time, resources and probably a peaceful environment to deal with this," Blinken said.
Senator Dianne Feinstein, Chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, welcomed the announcement saying, "I believe that Russia can be most effective in encouraging the Syrian President to stop any use of chemical weapons and place all his chemical munitions, as well as storage facilities, under United Nations control until they can be destroyed."

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem has welcomed Russia's initiative.