Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has told a US broadcaster there is “no evidence” that his government has used chemical weapons. US Secretary of State John Kerry has been lobbying hard for military action against Mr Assad during talks with EU and Arab foreign ministers in Europe.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius downplayed importance of obtaining commitments from Europe with regard to possible military participation against Syria, but praised increased political support to confront the Bashar Al-Assad’s regime.

Russian and Syrian foreign ministers say they will push for the return of United Nations inspectors to Syria to continue their probe into the use of chemical weapons. Lavrov said after Monday’s talks with his Syrian counterpart Walid al-Moallem