Politics & Government

Congresswoman McCollum on Syria: Chemical Weapon Use a 'Crime Against Humanity'

The Obama administration is pushing for military action in Syria, a nation suspected of using nerve gas on its own people.

Regarding mounting evidence that Syria used chemical weapons on its own people, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, said: “President Assad and his generals need to be brought to justice for this atrocity—preferably by the International Criminal Court.”

The Obama administration is seeking congressional authorization for military action against Syria, though he opted to hold off on a strike Saturday, according to the Washington Post. Congress will soon hold hearings about the proposal; lawmakers come back from a recess Sept. 9.

McCollum, who represents Oakdale in the U.S. House, said unilateral action against Syria would only serve to fuel extremists.

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An Aug. 29 statement from McCollum:

“The use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime must be considered a crime against humanity. President Assad and his generals need to be brought to justice for this atrocity—preferably by the International Criminal Court.

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“The U.S. response to the deteriorating situation in Syria must be coordinated with allies and the Arab League. The Obama administration and the international community must increase pressure on Russia and China to join in the condemnation of the Assad regime, end all shipments of weapons to Syria, and enlist their cooperation to work as part of the international effort to end the killing.

“Now is the time for measures that will bring strategic pressure to prevent an escalation of the conflict, rather than add to the wanton violence of a situation already out of control. Unilateral U.S. military action against the Syrian regime at this time would do nothing to advance American interests, but would certainly fuel extremists groups on both sides of the conflict that are determined to expand the bloodshed beyond Syria’s borders.”


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