Orient Net, March 8, 2018— French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Thursday (Mar. 8) pressed Russia and Iran to use their influence over Assad to ensure regime respects a UN resolution calling for a 30-day ceasefire.

He confirmed that if Aassad regime, “does not respect it (ceasefire), we will take public measures to say who those responsible are, because on this matter, in the western part of Syria, there is Russia, there is Iran, there are the forces of Bashar al-Assad.”

Le Drian also reiterated that France will respond if it is proven chemical weapons have been used and killed people.

Le Drian said the use of chemical weapons was a red line for France, and if its use is proven, France will issue a retaliation.

“There is now a convergence, a convergence of indications that lead us to think that chemical weapons can be used or have been used. We don’t have proof, but for France, President Macron was firm on this subject, it’s a red line,” he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his government have in recent weeks repeatedly called for a truce in Syria to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to trapped civilians, but the fighting continues.