Russia dismisses US warning on chemical attack by Syrian government

Russia has dismissed a warning by the White House that the Syrian government is making "preparations" for a new chemical attack, saying such allegations are unacceptable.

According to reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said "such threats to Syria's legitimate leaders are unacceptable."

The Russian official also denounced the administration of US President Donald Trump for using the phrase "another chemical weapons attack."

Elsewhere in his remarks, Peskov said an independent probe into an attack in April was never conducted despite Russia's calls for one, adding, "That is why we do not think it is possible to lay the blame on the Syrian armed forces."

In Moscow on Tuesday, a senior Russian lawmaker dismissed the latest US warning as "provocation."

Frants Klintsevich, the first deputy chairman of the defense and security committee in the upper chamber of the Russian parliament, accused Washington of "preparing a new attack on the positions of Syrian forces."

"Preparations for a new cynical and unprecedented provocation are underway," Klintsevich said.

Damascus: US claims foreshadow "diplomatic battle" against Syria 

Meanwhile, Syria has denied US allegations, saying it has never used chemical weapons in its war against foreign-backed terrorist groups.

Ali Haidar, the Syrian minister for national reconciliation, said on Tuesday that the White House statement foreshadowed a "diplomatic battle" that would be waged against Syria in the halls of the United Nations.

SS