French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault on Wednesday justified the Socialists' determination to punish Syrian regime on the alleged chemical attack to pave the way for a political end to the years-long conflict.

Ayrault made the remarks during an emergency conference at the National Assembly, where members of parliament gathered to debate on France's response to the Syrian crisis.

"Not to act is to close the door to a political settlement of the Syrian conflict. Yes, the solution to end the Syrian crisis is political and not military," Ayrault said.

He stressed that "the serious threat associated with the use of chemical weapons compels us to act."

According to media reports, a French intelligence report presented to lawmakers on Monday showed forces loyal to Assad were behind the alleged chemical attack in Damascus on Aug. 21.

But the Syrian president denied the allegations and said in an interview with French daily Le Figaro on Monday that France will face negative repercussions if Paris and its allies launch a military intervention against his country.?

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