SHAHEEN STATEMENT ON RUSSIA’S CALL FOR DESTRUCTION OF SYRIAN WEAPONS STOCKPILE

Washington (DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement following reports that the Russian government has offered to work with Syria to establish international control over Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile as a means of avoiding military action:    

“I believe we should pursue every possible diplomatic solution prior to engaging in military action. As such, I welcome the possibility of international cooperation to secure and destroy Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile and call on Russia to quickly follow through on its new commitment. The eventual elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles is in the best interest of the United States and the world community.”

“After two years of diplomatic stalemate, the credible threat of force has finally pushed Syria and Russia to the negotiating table. However, this cannot be a delaying tactic. We must see immediate, serious and credible actions by Russia and Syria toward the transfer and eventual destruction of Syria’s weapons of mass destruction as soon as possible. We should continue to maintain pressure on the Syrian regime to give up its weapons stockpile.”