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UN panel urges war crimes charges in Syria

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    New warning that both sides are becoming more radicalized in civil war

  • Duration 4:01
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The United Nations investigators now say that leaders on both sides of that bloody civil war in Syria are committing war crimes.

Investigators say if Syrian government rebels and -- should think government officials and rebel leaders.

For committing violations including murder rape and torture.

In and out yearlong conflict -- killed an estimated 70000.

Men women and children.

Meanwhile the main Syrian opposition group report that his ball as militant wing has expanded its presence inside Syria.

Group claims more than a thousand of the Lebanese based fighters have entered Syria over just the past day.

Joining us now the former New Mexico governor and former US ambassador to United Nations Bill Richardson sir nice to see you.

Thank you ship I don't know war crimes on both sides as any surprise -- this refugee crisis is getting serious.

Well I I think what is clear though is there -- seven massacres that investigative UN team is reporting.

50 among the government side to -- the rebel side and most of the atrocities.

Are coming.

From.

The government side and what now has to happen -- for this to take effect.

Is the UN Security Council.

Is needs to refer these cases of war crimes.

To the international criminal court and that means that the US France Britain Russia and China have to agree.

And what's gonna be a problem may -- is what will Russia do because they traditionally have been tied to the current Syrian government.

What will China do so it's still not a done deal but.

Very powerful UN investigator.

Carla del Pont de who's the one that -- after.

And got most should -- each indicted on war crimes so it's a very credible team.

Practically speaking.

Even if you weren't able to get the Russians onboard with this and they were be able to say it would be able to say yes war crimes -- both sides.

What does that do to stop the killing.

Well what what will happen though is the international criminal court it has -- -- great bully pulpit it doesn't have.

Though the ability to stop the killings that's up to the Security Council and the permanent members and my hope -- is that.

I would like to see I think US policy has been good but maybe the time -- -- -- To help the other side the opposition groups the rebels -- Some weaponry some training.

When you're -- and you may have before because.

-- out I think we need to step up to that plate now.

I think the atrocities are so huge there's talk of chemical weapons being used.

I just think the time has come and turn it up a bit not American troops not massive military assistance.

But training and weapons to some of the opposition I think the time has come the atrocities are horrendous there's a refugee crisis.

There is everything.

Pointing to a huge huge massacre.

In the days ahead of course our history books are filled with -- instances where we gave weapons to rebel opposition group weapons that were eventually turned on us.

That this is a slippery slope was -- -- -- Yeah it is it is but I think the time has come.

We've provided humanitarian assistance I'm talking about.

Defensive weapons I'm talking about a limited cash -- day of military supplies.

But I think the time has come not just -- I'm talking about some of the surrounding countries Security Council members.

Other countries have participated already Qatar Saudi Arabia.

But I think if we take a step in that direction is gonna send a very important signal.

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