US and France at odds over chemical weapons in Syria

Men in chemical protection suits scour Syria for evidence A silent rift is developing between the US and France over the Syrian regime\'s use of chemical weapons in the 26-month conflict, diplomatic sources have revealed. The French government has claimed it has evidence of the Syrian government\'s use of chemical weapons to suppress opposition groups. Their statements have been backed up by the British government, which claims to have seen evidence of samples proving that the Syrian troops used Sarin gas.
However, diplomatic sources say that Washington is sceptical about the evidence of chemical weapons, adding that White House is 100% behind US Secretary of State John Kerry\'s attempts to open talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. French officials are frustrated by America\'s stance, and stand by their conclusion that Sarin gas has been used during the Syrian conflict.
American sources said that they want to avoid any military intervention in Syria, as it would only increase the bloodshed. The sources added that the American administration realises the Russian government intends to provide the Syrians with S-300 missiles, and is aware of Syria\'s strong air defence system.
Meanwhile, US Senator John McCain has criticised President Barack Obama for being \"indecisive\" in dealing with the Syrian crisis, urging the government to provide weapons to the Syrian opposition.
McCain accused Iran and Lebanese group Hezbollah of fuelling sectarianism by providing the Syrian regime with thousands of fighters.
In a separate development, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation,Ekmeleddin ?hsano?lu has declared his support for the Geneva conference to resolve the Syrian crisis.
?hsano?lu has called for a ceasefire and transition of power in the war-torn state, warning against the impart of the fighting on neighbouring states.