Hillary Clinton: Russia Has To Support International Community On Syria

(CNN) — Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says she backs President Barack Obama’s push to take military action in Syria.If Syria’s government immediately surrendered its chemical weapons stockpiles to international control, “that would be an important step,” Clinton said Monday during an event at the White House. “But this cannot be another excuse for delay or obstruction. And Russia has to support the international community’s efforts sincerely or be held to account.” Seven months after leaving her post as the United States’ top diplomat, Clinton said she discussed the latest developments in Syria with Obama on Monday. Among them, she said, was the possibility floated earlier in the day that Syria could hand over control of its chemical weapons.A potential Democratic contender for president in 2016, Clinton received questions and some criticism for not speaking out immediately after chemical weapons were allegedly used by the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Last week, her aide said Clinton was behind U.S. President Barack Obama’s proposed approach. Al-Assad: Expect retaliation for strike Should Obama act without public support? Madonna: Stay out of Syria Russia pushes for diplomacy in SyriaIn addition to pushing for diplomatic efforts to remove al-Assad from power, Clinton backed a proposal last year to provide weapons to Syrian rebels when she served as secretary of state.