UN Chief seeks accountability for Assad

U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon stands behind his allegations that Assad should be held accountable and brought up on charges for the many “many crimes against humanity” carried out by his regime. Despite Syria’s efforts to turn over their chemical weapons program to U.N. control, many leaders are still holding military force open as an option as a way to ensure Syria’s complete cooperation and transparency in the process.

This accusation is based on what Ban calls an “overwhelming report” that chemical weapons were used which is expected to be released by the U.N. inspectors later this week

While Assad has committed to surrendering the chemical weapons, some are skeptical.  Talks of Syrian military units spreading the weapons around the country have the U.S., and France reconfirming their positions on the Syrian deal.  

Obama stated that while he hoped the plan were successful, he would insist any deal was “verifiable and enforceable,”

“But I repeated what I’ve said publicly, which is any agreement needs to be verifiable and enforceable.”

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and British Foreign Secretary William Hague are expected to meet in Paris on Monday to continue discussions.

At this time, Syria’s application for the chemical weapons program is incomplete.  While sources will not say what is missing from the file, it has been confirmed that more documents must be presented and confirmed before Syria’s application will be considered.

Some consider this a stalling tactic on the side of Assad. France, the main backer of U.S. military strikes, is watchful.

“The Syrian regime’s announcements are certainly very useful but also certainly insufficient,” said French Foreign Ministry spokesman Philippe Lalliot.

The National Coalition, Syria’s opposition, are concerned that Assad will use this opportunity as a “get out of jail free card” for the regime as they do not see a change in the leaderships behavior. They are seeking a strong U.N. resolution to ensure the measure is carried out.

In the meantime, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the French have agreed to continue to support the Syrian Opposition.