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Minn. Dem Walz Declares Opposition To Syria Strike

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Rep. Tim Walz says he's opposed to current proposals for U.S. military strikes in Syria.

The Minnesota 1st District congressman said in a statement Monday that he's worried that plans for limited military action could result in a deeper involvement in another foreign conflict.

Walz says his constituents delivered a clear, consistent message against plans to intervene in Syria in response to alleged chemical weapons use by the country's dictatorship government.

"While I believe the use of chemical weapons is despicable and the world must take action to ensure that cruel dictators are not allowed to use such weapons without repercussions, at this time I cannot in good conscience support current proposals to take unilateral, military action," Walz said.

Walz, a former National Guard enlisted soldier, represents a district narrowly won last year by President Barack Obama.

Several Minnesota delegations members have declared opposition to a Syria strike. A few have yet to commit to voting either way though they have indicated they are leaning in favor of supporting a congressional resolution favoring Obama's intervention strategy.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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