STOCKHOLM (AP) — President Barack Obama says the international community and Congress’s credibility are on the line if a chemical attack on civilians in Syria goes unanswered. Obama is seeking congressional and international support for military action against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Obama rejected suggestions he set a red line for action against Syria in the event Assad used chemical weapons. He said the red line was set by the international community and by Congress which ratified a treaty condemning the use of chemical weapons.

He acknowledged that a military response will not resolve the civil war in Syria, but is needed to send a clear message.