Francois Hollande accuses Cameron of ¿schoolboy error¿ for losing Commons Syria vote and making himself look ¿weak¿ French President said the Prime Minister had 'overestimated his strengths' But admitted he understood Barack Obama's 'U-turn' in choosing to consult Congress on military action Comments were passed on by government sources to a weekly magazine 'Schoolboy error': David Cameron speaks with Francois Hollande during last week's G20 summit Francois Hollande accused David Cameron of committing a "schoolboy error" over Syria - while pledging that France would still "punish" the Arab state, it emerged today. Like Mr Cameron, the Gallic head of state is in favour of military action against Syria in response to chemical weapons being used to murder civilians. But President Hollande said Mr Cameron was "weakened" by a House of Commons vote against a strike. In comments passed on by government sources to the investigative weekly Le Canard Enchaine, Mr Hollande said: "He committed a schoolboy error. He overestimated his strength and didn't find a way of convincing his majority as he lost by just five votes, with 30 abstentions and 30 votes against, with a dozen Conservatives failing to take part. In words which will further weaken Anglo-French diplomatic relations, Mr Hollande added: "Cameron comes out of this affair weakened. 'And it's not good for Great Britain. In contrast, Mr Hollande said he "understands" US president Barack Obama's "U- turn" in choosing to consult Congress over attacks on Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad's regime. 'France has continually backed Mr Obama's calls for attacks on Syria, arguing that it is the only way to protect civilians caught up in the country's Civil War. Despite international moves away from direct action, Mr Hollande today insisted that his country would remain "mobilised" for punishment attacks. Leaders: Hollande (right) said Cameron had been 'weakened' by the loss in the Commons over Syria Mr Hollande is highly sceptical about Assad's claims that he will dismantle his chemical weapons arsenal, which is put at around 1000 tonnes. France also intends to put a resolution to the UN Security Council to place Syria's chemical weapons under international control so they can be destroyed. Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said the resolution would threaten "extremely serious" consequences if Syria breached its conditions as it would be enforced by Chapter VII of the UN charter, which would sanction the use of force if Syria failed in its obligations. The move followed Russia's announcement of a plan to put the chemical weapons under international control. Syria has said it accepts the Russian proposal. 'U-turn': Hollande said he agreed with Barack Obama's decision to let Congress have their say over military action in Syria