Macron denounces Syria 'chemical assaults': Emmanuel Macron

Paris, Apr 9 (AFP) French President Emmanuel Macron accused Damascus for "chemical assaults" against civilians in the Syrian rebel enclave of Douma in a call with US leader Donald Trump today, as worldwide shock mounts against the alleged use of the weapons.

The statement from the Elysee Palace said Macron "strongly censured the chemical assaults on April 7 against the population of Douma".

It added that the two leaders shared information "confirming" the use of compound weapons and would facilitate their efforts at a meeting of the UN Security Council in New York later today.

Trump has warned there would be a "big price to pay" after Saturday's assault, as rebels started clearing Douma, the last fragment they held of their one-time fortification Eastern Ghouta, under an arrangement with Syria's regime.

"Some dead, including ladies and kids, in thoughtless CHEMICAL assault in Syria," Trump composed on Twitter, lashing out at Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Russia's Vladimir Putin, a key ally of the regime.

Damascus and its allies have denounced the accusations.

Syria's White Helmets, who go about as people on call in revolt held territories of Syria, said "harmful chlorine gas" had been used yesterday.

In a joint statement with the Syrian American Medical Society, the White Helmets said in excess of 500 cases were conveyed to restorative focuses "with side effects demonstrative of introduction to a synthetic specialist".

France, which has repeatedly and again said proof of chemical use in Syria could provoke military activity, reacted by requiring an earnest UN Security Council meeting on today.

The request was also signed by eight other UN Security Council members including the US and Britain, while Russia asked for a separate Security Council meeting to discuss global threats to peace.