Watch above: White House weighing all options in response to Syrian attack (August 27)
OTTAWA – Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird is calling opposition leaders to discuss the rapidly evolving crisis around Syria’s use of chemical weapons on the same day Prime Minister Stephen Harper and U.S. President Barack Obama agreed the situation required a firm response.
But his office says suggestions to recall Parliament to discuss military action are still premature.
Baird spoke first to NDP Leader Tom Mulcair, who emphasized that MPs needed to be consulted if there was to be any direct military involvement by Canada.
British Prime Minister David Cameron has recalled Parliament for Thursday, while the U.S. military says it is ready to attack the rogue regime of Bashar Assad when it gets the order.
READ MORE: Syria vows to defend itself as possibility of military strike from the West grows
“Both leaders agreed that significant use of chemical weapons merits a firm response from the international community in an effective and timely manner,” said Andrew MacDougall, a spokesman for Harper.
The Obama administration said the two men pledged to continue to consult closely on potential responses by the international community.
The possibility of military strikes comes even though UN inspectors on the ground in Syria have yet to confirm the use of chemical agents.
Harper and Obama discussed the inspection effort.
READ MORE: Hagel: US forces ready to strike Syria if ordered
“Both leaders noted efforts by the Syrian regime to delay the work of the UN chemical inspection team, suggesting the regime is attempting to obscure evidence of its actions,” MacDougall said.
In Britain, Prime Minister David Cameron recalled Parliament for an emergency vote on Thursday in response to the alleged chemical assault.
The Arab League flatly blamed the Syrian government for the attack that activists say killed hundreds of people last week. The league said the perpetrators must be brought to justice.
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem denied his government was behind the attack and challenged Washington to present proof of its accusations.
For our ongoing coverage of the crisis in Syria, click here
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