Washington D.C., Aug 30, 2013 / 16:12 pm
Top U.S. officials say they are still considering a "narrow" military response to the reported use of chemical weapons in Syria, as a representative of the U.S. bishops urges negotiations aimed at peace.
"We will continue talking to the Congress, talking to our allies and, most importantly, talking to the American people," said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in an Aug. 30 address.
While the option of a "limited and tailored" military response is still on the table, Kerry said that the ultimate goal "is to have a diplomatic process that can resolve this through negotiation, because we know there is no ultimate military solution."
The need for negotiation was also highlighted by Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, who heads the U.S. bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace.