Incoming US national security adviser Susan Rice said Friday there are “downsides and limitations” to imposing a no-fly zone in Syria but more measures could be taken to help rebels.
Rice said the administration had decided to increase military support to rebels because President Bashar al-Assad had crossed “clear red lines” by using chemical weapons in the 27-month-old conflict.
The administration announced Thursday that it had evidence Assad’s forces had used chemical weapons and was stepping up military support to the opposition, without providing details about what the support entails.
“We have been clear that we are not excluding options but at this stage no decision has been taken,” said Rice, who will leave her post as US ambassador to the United Nations in the coming days.
When asked about a possible no-fly zone she told reporters: “That option has some downsides and limitations that we are very well aware of and will factor into any decision.” The envoy did not give further details.
“What further steps we take will be a function of what we determine is necessary, what advances our ultimate goal of achieving a negotiated political settlement and what is consistent with US interests,” Rice added.
The United States sent a letter to the United Nations on Friday setting out its evidence of the use of chemical weapons.
Syria asked the United Nations to set up an inquiry into its allegations that rebels used chemical weapons, but it has refused to let in UN experts because UN leader Ban Ki-moon has insisted they be given access to all sites where chemical arms may have been used.
Britain and France have already sent information to the UN experts.
Rice said the United States had no “reliable” information that Syrian rebels have used chemical arms.
US sees 'downsides' to Syria no-fly zone: Rice
