Johannesburg - The use of chemical weapons in Syria is concerning, the international relations department said on Thursday.
“The use of these weapons in Syria... is wholly unacceptable by any standard,” spokesman Clayson Monyela said in a statement.
“No cause could ever justify the use of weapons of mass destruction.”
He said the United Nations weapons inspectors should be allowed the time to complete their investigation and announce their findings.
Agence France-Presse reported on Thursday that the inspectors were heading to one of the sites near Damascus where Syria's government allegedly attacked civilians with poisonous gas.
The UN team was on its third day of inspections. UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon reportedly said they would need four days to conclude the probe.
Monyela said South Africa was concerned about the continuing violence and deteriorating human rights situation in Syria.
The country was also worried about the “dangerous rhetoric” referring to possible military intervention.
“South Africa does not believe that bombing the already suffering people and crumbling infrastructure of Syria will contribute to a sustainable solution,” he said.
“The outcome of such an action is unpredictable and will only worsen the conflict.”
The South African government called on all those involved in the conflict in Syria to engage in non-violent processes.
“We therefore call on the members of the UN Security Council to unite in purpose in moving the parties to a negotiated settlement,” Monyela said.
Sapa