Syria on Tuesday issued a formal reply to Secretary of State John Kerry’s claim of “undeniable” evidence of chemical weapons use by government forces on a rebel stronghold near Damascus: You’re lying.

The Syrian Arab News Agency, run by the government, said Mr. Kerry has “fabricated” evidence to sway the international community to side with rebel fighters, The Associated Press reported.

SANA’s statement continued: Mr. Kerry is “jumping over” and short-circuiting the U.N.’s special team investigation of chemical weapon use, in order to exploit recent clashes for Western benefit.