Cape Town –  The South African Government has said that it is opposed to any form of military intervention in Syria as some Western countries ponder their reaction to the alleged use of chemical weapons in the country.

The Department of International Relations and Co-operation said while it remained “deeply concerned about the continuing violence and rapidly deteriorating human rights situation” in Syria, it did not believe in bombing the country.

“South Africa is alarmed at the latest escalation in the conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic and condemns the use of chemical weapons,” said Department spokesperson Clayson Monyela.

“The use of these weapons in Syria is of serious concern and is wholly unacceptable by any standard. No cause could ever justify the use of weapons of mass destruction,” he said.

However, Monyela said “bombing the already suffering people and crumbling infrastructure of Syria will not contribute to a sustainable solution”.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu has warned against military action to punish Syria for its alleged use of chemical weapons.

He called instead for “human intervention” and the need for more time for UN inspectors to conclude their investigations into the alleged use of chemical weapons that left many dead or injured.