Obama says world cannot permit Syria chemical weapons use; US, UN will investigate vigorously

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama says the U.S. will investigate Syria’s potential chemical weapons use on its own and with the United Nations. He says the world cannot stand by and permit the use of chemical weapons.

Obama’s remarks were his first since the U.S. disclosed Thursday that intelligence agencies believe Syria has used sarin gas. That acknowledgement increased the pressure on the administration to intervene in Syria’s two-year civil war. Obama has previously said chemical weapons use would cross a “red line” and prompt a major U.S. response.

Obama spoke at the White House before meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II.