Egypt opposes Syria strikes, would not participate

CAIRO (AP) -- Egypt's foreign minister says his country strongly opposes military action against Syria and would not support possible punitive strikes by the United States and allies against the Syrian regime over alleged use of chemical weapons.

Nabil Fahmy says in a statement Thursday that Egypt condemns chemical weapons use by any side in Syria's civil war and is asking the international community to bring perpetrators to justice after a U.N. team investigating submits findings.

The Arab League this week said Syria's regime is responsible for the "heinous crime" involving chemical weapons. It did not state a position on foreign punitive strikes against Syria.

Arab League diplomats told The Associated Press the organization will not support military action. They spoke anonymously because of rules preventing them from being named.