Shaheen, Shea-Porter Praise U.S.-Russian Deal On Syrian Chemical Weapons
CONCORD, N.H. (CBS/AP) — Two members of New Hampshire's congressional delegation say they are encouraged over diplomatic efforts by the United States and Russia that have resulted in an agreement to find and destroy Syria's chemical weapons.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have cut a deal on Syria's chemical weapons that includes a speedy declaration from Damascus about its stockpiles of the weapons.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, both Democrats, said Russia and Syria must now take immediate and concrete steps to abide by the terms of this agreement.
"Syria's use of chemical weapons is a serious threat to our national security and the elimination of their weapons stockpile is in our best interests," Shaheen said in a prepared statement Saturday. "The agreement with Russian officials to accomplish this goal is a welcome development and Secretary Kerry should be commended for his efforts. Now, Russia and Syria must take immediate and concrete steps to abide by the terms of this agreement."
Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte said this week that she could not support military intervention in Syria at this time because the Obama administration doesn't have a solid strategy.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
