Chilean Foreign Minister Alfredo Moreno reaffirmed Thursday his country's support for the diplomatic measures taken by the United Nations (UN) and Arab League in seeking a negotiated solution to the Syria crisis.

At a Foreign Ministry press conference here in the capital, Moreno said since the beginning of the conflict in Syria, the government of President Sebastian Pinera has publicly backed mediation efforts in resolving the humanitarian crisis.

Dozens of Chileans residing in Syria have been evacuated to Lebanon, he said.

"The international community has to make a great effort to try to stop this conflict. It's a responsibility that falls on the international organizations, especially regional ones, such as the Arab League, and the United Nations and its Security Council," Moreno noted.

Chile's top diplomat said everything indicated chemical weapons had been used in the internal conflict in Syria and that it was necessary for the international community to put a stop to such actions.

"We think there is an enormous responsibility on the part of the international community to cooperate to put a stop to this, but it must be through the international channels, which are the United Nations Security Council," he stressed.

Asked whether Chile would back a U.S. missile strike against Syria, Moreno said experts would have to prove first that chemical attacks took place and which side of the fighting implemented the chemical weapons; and finally, any punitive measures "must be adopted through the UN Security Council."

"There is no doubt that the international community has to verify the chemical attacks and determine who was responsible, and take measures because it is a crime against humanity," said Moreno. Endit

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