Corker Statement on U.S.-Russia Agreement on Syrian Chemical Weapons

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee, today made the following statement regarding the announcement of an agreement between the U.S. and Russia on Syria's chemical weapons.

"Absent the threat of force, it's unclear to me how Syrian compliance will be possible under the terms of any agreement.  I'm still reviewing the details and believe Syria's willingness to follow through is very much an open question, but I remain supportive of a strong diplomatic solution to Syria's use of chemical weapons," said Corker.

"I am concerned that these negotiations not be used as an opportunity to retreat from our broader national interests, but rather, to reinforce them, including support for moderate opposition forces and, most importantly, reassuring our allies of U.S. resolve to counter threats from Iran and other rogue nations.  The administration's handling of this crisis has hurt U.S. credibility, so it's vital that going forward, the President articulate how his actions protect our national interests in Syria and the region."

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