BRUSSELS, April 14 (Xinhua)-- European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Saturday avoided commenting directly on the U.S.-led strike on Syria, only condemning the use of chemical weapons.
"The use of chemical weapons is unacceptable in any circumstances and must be condemned in the strongest terms," Juncker said in a statement. "The international community has the responsibility to identify and hold accountable anyone responsible for chemical attacks."
The statement said that in its eighth year of conflict, Syria desperately needs a lasting cease-fire respected by all parties that would pave the way for a negotiated political solution through the United Nations-led Geneva negotiations.
The Syrian military said over 100 missiles were fired during the U.S.-led strike on Syria early Saturday.
The joint attack by the United States, Britain and France targeted Syrian military sites in Damascus and elsewhere, Syria's state news agency SANA said.
Most of the missiles were destroyed by the Syrian air defense system, according to a statement by the Syrian military. However, a military research center in Barzeh, northeast of Damascus, suffered damage.
The missiles fired on a military base in the central province of Homs were diverted, leaving three people wounded.
