国际英语新闻:Bolton threatens "stronger" U.S. response if Syria uses chemical weapons

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Monday that Washington, along with its allies, will give "stronger response" if Syria uses chemical weapons.

Bolton made the remarks in a public address in Washington.

"We've been in consultation with the British and the French ... and they also agree that another use of chemical weapons will result in a much stronger response," he told audience in the Q&A session.

The warning from the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations was the latest in a string of tough words from the Trump administration. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said on Sunday that Washington will take "swift and decisive" action against any use of chemical weapons in the Syrian province of Idlib.

The West has recently said the Syrian government forces were possibly planning a chemical attack in Idlib, a claim that has been completely slammed by Syria, Russia and Iran.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad responded on Wednesday that a change in the U.S. role toward achieving peace instead of continuing to inflame wars would be more beneficial for the United States and its people.

The officials in Syria and its allies said the provocations of the chemical weapons use are being planned by the rebels to justify a U.S. strike on Syria, accusing the Western countries of plotting to strike Syria under false claims.

In April, the United States, joined by Britain and France, launched air strikes against three sites in Syria as a retaliation against the alleged chemical weapon attack by the Syrian government on civilians. It was a second attack under the Trump administration following one held in April 2017.