Sikorski – 'Do we want another Iraq?'

The British Ministry of Defence confirmed on 08 September 2013 that two RAF Typhoon jets were scrambled from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus on 02 September 2013 to investigate unidentified aircraft to the east of Cyprus allegedly coming from Syria. photo - EPA/SERGEANT PETE MOBBS

“Do we want another Iraq? Was it such a good idea?,” Radolsaw Sikorksi told a regional NATO conference in the Latvian capital, Riga on Saturday.

Poland, who took part in US-led operations during the Iraq War and occupation, has said it will not be involved in proposed military action in Syria, following suspected chemical weapons near Damascus.

“Was it worth the blood and treasure that was expended [in Iraq]" Sikorski said.

Poland's foreign minister continued his call over recent days for Russia and China not to block UN Security Council resolutions on Syria, however, the AFP agency reports.

"The Security Council is simply not doing what it is supposed to be doing, which is not to be a place where selfish nations look after their interests. […] I can't think of a better case where the voice of humanity should be heard other than to protest against the use of these (chemical) weapons," he told the NATO conference.

French President Francois Hollande suggested on Saturday he could seek a resolution at the Security Council despite previous Russian and Chinese vetoes.

French officials say, however, a draft resolution presented jointly by Britain and France at the end of August was not even read by Russia and China, let alone discussed, Reuters reports.

UN inspectors are likely to hand in their report later this week as the US Congress debates whether to allow limited strikes on Syria. (pg)