Merkel says international response to Syria is unlikely

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says an international response to the use of chemical weapons in Syria is unlikely.

However, she added, the “slightest chance” to arrive at such a response must be used.

Germany indicated that it will not participate in any military intervention and, on the eve of this week’s summit of the Group of 20 developed countries, called for “activation” of the UN Security Council, which has long been deadlocked on the issue of Syria.

In a speech during the last session of the German parliament ahead of the September 22 elections, Merkel said that the Security Council has so far been “blocked, especially because of the very hard-line position of Russia and China.”