This story has been updated.
Pretoria - The South African government on Thursday hit out at what it called “dangerous rhetoric” pointing to Western military action in Syria, and called on all sides to negotiate.
The Department of Intenational Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) said it “is alarmed at the latest escalation” in the Syria conflict and condemned “the use of chemical weapons”.
“South Africa is concerned by the dangerous rhetoric pointing to the possibility of a military intervention,” a statement said.
The government said it did “not believe that bombing the already suffering people and crumbling infrastructure of Syria, will contribute to a sustainable solution”.
“The outcome of such an action is unpredictable and will only worsen the conflict.”
“It will ultimately be the people of Syria who pay the price, whilst those participating in the military intervention will return to safety far away from the crisis.”
On Thursday President Bashar al-Assad said Syria would defend itself against any attacks.
"Syria will defend itself in the face of any aggression, and threats will only increase its commitment to its principles and its independence," the embattled Syrian leader told a visiting delegation of Yemeni politicians, according to state television. - AFP