US and UK mull options as Syrian regime denounces 'lies'

Syria has dismissed as "a caravan of lies" claims that it used chemical weapons, after the US said it would give the rebels "direct military aid".

President Obama made the decision after his administration concluded Syrian forces under Bashar al-Assad were using chemical weapons, a spokesman said.

UK Prime Minster David Cameron says he shares the view of the US government that the Syrian government has used chemical weapons on civilians.

But Mr Cameron said Britain had taken "no decision" regarding arming the Syrian rebels after America declared it would provide them with military support.

Ian Pannell reports from Washington.