Moscow (ANTARA News/AFP) - Russia urged its Middle East ally Syria on Tuesday to refrain from using chemical weapons despite its threat to unleash the previously unreported arsenal in case of a foreign attack.

The foreign ministry said it "would like to underline that Syria joined" a Geneva protocol on the non-use of such weapons and "presumes that the Syrian authorities will continue to rigorously abide by its assumed international obligations".

Syria`s threat Monday drew immediate and sharp condemnation from both the United States and Syrian neighbour and foe Israel.

But Russia took more than a day to formulate a response before issuing a carefully worded statement that demanded compliance with international treaties while not directly blaming Syria for making the threat.

The foreign ministry said "Moscow took note of the Syrian foreign ministry representative`s statement" and then pointed out that Damascus had signed the 1925 Geneva protocol in 1968.

The ministry had earlier on Tuesday re-issued an earlier Syrian travel advisory warning to all Russian citizens. (RN)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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