U.S. President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discussed the alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria, agreeing that use of the banned arms cannot be tolerated, the White House said Tuesday.
"The two leaders agreed that the use of chemical weapons is a serious violation of international norms and cannot be tolerated," it said in a statement. "They pledged to continue to consult closely on possible responses by the international community."
Obama called Abe amid a U.S. diplomatic blitz to gain international and congressional support for U.S. air strikes against the Syrian regime.
Washington has accused the regime of President Bashar al-Assad of carrying out the Aug 21 attack near Damascus, which U.S. officials say killed nearly 1,500 people, including hundreds of children.
During his visit to the Middle East last week, Abe called on Assad to step down.
© (C) 2013 AFP
20 Comments
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Cricky
Abe can see on opportunity to sell Nuclear Tech I imagin.
hereforever
sf2k
I guess the 100,000 who died prior to this were not a violation of international norms and could be tolerated. If you're going to BS everyone, you have to have credibility. Suddenly going nuts that war must be waged now because of yet another tragedy with no mention of the former tragedies comes off and contrived, regardless of merit.
Just another oil war. Meanwhile helping Japan deal with Fukushima should be more important than Syria. The Pacific Ocean is at stake
spudman
Abe to Obama,"We will follow you all the way to the Pacific". "How much should I make that cheap out for?"
nath
I suppose it's sweet that Obama seeks some form of consensus but this is a bit like geting your pet dog to wag its tail...... Japan doesn't even have a lot of spare cash it can contribute to this latest lunacy.
BertieWooster
Assad can't have heard him.
Maybe something got lost in the translation.
Wakarimasen
Must be comforting for Osama to know that Funzo and the JSDF have got his back.
nath
Obama is asking Japan to provide the money for this.
who is stupid here?
Chucky138
Obama might ask Japan to provide ground shock troop if needed.
He can't even show the evidence with the excuse that it is classified.
Go figure for a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
kurisupisu
Obama:So,Prime Minister Abe, I am calling on you to give me your blessing in bombing Syria and causing untold suffering,mayhem and death!What do you say? Abe:....,,,woof! Obama:Good boy! Here's your bone....,,,
White_Shinobi
Sigh... Another war
kurisupisu
It is up to the Syrians at the ballot box to deal with Assad not war mongering Americans....
Redcliff
Why so eager to bomb another country? Is war and bombing the only answer?
Serrano
"It is up to the Syrians at the ballot box to deal with Assad not war mongering Americans...."
Unfortunately there are no free elections in Syria.
"Is war and bombing the only answer?"
We could politely ask these "people" to cease and desist with the sarin gas...
BertieWooster
Redcliff,
For the U.S.A. yes.
"Shoot first and ask questions later!!"
For cowboys it's the only answer.
toshiko
I hope Abe will always keep in his mind that his own people in Fukushima need a lot of help than donating war money to USA. Don't be gypped. Obama just wants donation from Japan when his people are not interested in Syria business.
Kobuta Chan
No doubt Japan will always stand behind her American best friend. US is very important partner for Japanese and Japan is very important partner for US as well.
US should drop 1000 x 1000kg Bombs on Assad's hideout. The opposition groups and Syria Military will come to negotiation table for peace once Assad was death. Assad has committing worst war crime in 21st century.
By the way, UN should be dismantled Security Council or revoke Veto power from all permanent UN Security Council members Russia, China, US, France and Britain.
hagent
By agreeing to this, we will be helping in the enabling of a one world government. A sovereign country should remain free from interference as long as it does not attack its neighbors. how many people will the US have killed after the last bomb has been dropped?
toshiko
Kobuta Chan, Drone can drop fire bombs to Assads' house, but !000 x 1000 kG is 1 million kg. There is no airplane that can carry such huge bomb. And there is no such a bomb anyway, During WW II, B 29 dropped fire bombs in many cities in Japan. We called Sho-i-dan that burned houses. Out of dated now. It will burn Assad's hide out, maybe. Check about kg. and pound or bomb size. I understand your point but please write realistic size of bombs.
A Realist
1
"White_ShinobiSep. 04, 2013 - 12:25PM JST
Sigh... Another war"
Haven't you heard the news yet? The war in Syria has been going on for 2 1/2 years now.