US, Russia agree on proposal to eliminate Syria chemical weapons

The United States and Russia today agreed on proposals to eliminate Syria's chemical weapons, averting the possibility of any immediate US military action against President Bashar al-Assad's government.

The agreement was reached after three days of talks in Geneva

between U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.  It demands that Assad gives a full account of his secret stockpile within a week.

In a statement, the foreign ministry said the government welcomed the latest development saying it was conscious of the fact that details were still being discussed.

"However, the agreement is still an important diplomatic step forward where international powers converged together on Syria, showing that the solution was through diplomatic means," the ministry said.

The Maltese government reiterated its position against military action and hoped that the Assad regime would cooperate. It however stated that if those responsible for the chemical attack were found, they should be brought to justice before the International Criminal Court.

It also said that the spirit of cooperation which developed between the big countries could be strengthened so that a diplomatic solution leading to peace in Syria can be achieved.