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UN chief raises questions over legality of US Syria action

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appeared to question the legality of US plans for military action in Syria saying that the use of force is only legal in self-defence or with Security Council backing.

He also added that if the UN inspectors confirm the use of chemical weapons in Syria, the Security Council should overcome its differences and take action.

"If confirmed, any use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances will be a serious violation of international law and outrageous war crime," he told reporters. "Any perpetrators must be brought to justice. There should be no impunity."