Gov. Kasich Statement on the Reported Chemical Weapons Attack in Ghouta, Syria

“President Assad may believe that he can with impunity continue or increase the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian civil war.

He could not be more mistaken.

If the reported chemical attack in Ghouta is officially confirmed, Assad and those in his government who are responsible for these crimes against humanity must be held to account, even if it takes a decade or more to do so.

Russia, which itself used weapons-grade chemicals in the United Kingdom recently, bears special responsibility, because of its support to the Assad government and its role in the agreement that Syria would be chemical-weapons-free.

The international community must speak with one voice in order to make it clear to President Assad how unacceptable the use of chemical weapons is in modern warfare, particularly against civilians, and that he and his government will be held to account.”