The United States says force might still be necessary in Syria - if the regime doesn't hand over its stockpile of chemical weapons.

Syria's President says he's agreed to hand over his chemical weapons -  a month after signing an international treaty.

But Bashar al Assad insisted it's down to mediation from Russia and NOT the threat of an American attack.

US Secretary of State John Kerry says a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Syria is preferable to military action.

Speaking in Geneva, following a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Mr. Kerry said there will be consequences for the Syrian Government if he does not hand over his chemical weapons by the deadline.