U.S. proof of chemical weapons use far from convincing: Putin spokesman

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ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, Sept. 5 -- Russia cannot take the U.S. proof of chemical weapons use in Syria as they are far from convincing, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said here Thursday.

Responding to a question over Syria during a press conference in the Group of Twenty (G20) summit, Peskov said Russia is not blocking the work of the UN Security Council but encourages its partners to consider the situation in Syria "in a responsible manner" and not to use the so-called fact to justify their own actions, he noted.

"We cannot accept the proof which, from our point of view, is not proof at all and that is far from being convincing," Peskov said.

The Security Council is the "only legitimate body" in international affairs that can use legitimate forces, he said, adding "neither Russia nor the U.S." can make such decisions alone.

Moscow believes that decisions should not be made before UN experts finish their probe and provide evidence on who had used the chemical weapons in Syria, he added.

Moscow saw it unacceptable if "anyone in the world imposes its will on another state and tries to change the international law regime under which the world lives," said the spokesman.

As for the relationship between President Vladimir Putin and his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama, Peskov said they are " constructive although there are multiple serious disagreements."

Relations between Putin and Obama are the ones that should exist between two leaders "who share responsibility for global security, stability and regional security all over the world," he added.

Meanwhile, the spokesman did not rule out the possibility that the two leaders will meet on the sidelines of the summit, though no such meeting is scheduled for them.

Earlier Thursday, Putin proposed to include "pressing international issues" on the summit agenda, particularly the situation around Syria. He suggested discussing Syria issue during a dinner with world leaders, so that "we do not heap up things together."

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