Hollande: France and US want to send strong message

French and US presidents Francois Hollande and Barack Obama want to send the Syrian regime a "strong message" to condemn the alleged use of chemical weapons, the presidency said Friday. "Both heads of state agreed that the international community cannot tolerate the use of chemical weapons, that it should hold the Syrian regime accountable for it and send a strong message," a statement said. The Elysee palace issued the statement after a phone conversation between Obama and his only major ally ahead of expected strikes against the Syrian regime. "As close allies and friends, France and the United States will continue their consultation on Syria and on all other issues affecting international security," the statement said. The White House issued an identical statement after the phone call, which an aide to Hollande said lasted around 45 minutes.