Tensions as Cameron and Putin split on Syria

A Downing Street spokesman said that Mr Cameron had told Russian president Vladimir Putin there was “little doubt” that the Syrian government was behind the alleged atrocity involving the release of nerve agents in which hundreds died in a suburb of Damascus.

Mr Cameron also said there was “no evidence” to back claims 
by the Bashar Assad-led regime that opposition forces were 
responsible, the spokesman added.

“They both reiterated the position agreed by all leaders at the G8 in June: no one should use chemical weapons and any use would merit a serious response from the international community,” the spokesman said.

But divisions remain, as the Russian president told Mr Cameron that there was “no evidence of whether a chemical weapons attack had taken place or who was responsible”, Number 10 said.

International tensions have worsened after UN weapons inspectors came under sniper fire as they sought to investigate last week’s deadly attack. One of the inspectors’ vehicles was shot at as they travelled to the site of the attack yesterday, a UN spokesman said, before a second successful journey later in the day.

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