Chemical watchdog (OPCW) announces probe into alleged chlorine gas attacks in Syria

[pampango]

The head of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said today it will seek to “establish the facts” surrounding allegations of the use of chlorine in Syria, where it is already working jointly with the United Nations to rid the country of its chemical weapons.

According to media reports, opposition activists say the Syrian Government has attacked rebel-held areas with chlorine gas. The Government denies the claims.

OPCW Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü announced the creation of the fact-finding mission at a meeting of the body’s Executive Council held in The Hague. The Syrian Government has agreed to accept the mission and will provide security in areas under its control, the OPCW said in a news release. The investigative team is expected to depart for Syria soon.

“The Secretary-General has expressed his support and assured the assistance of the United Nations in meeting the significant security and logistical demands of this mission,” UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters in New York.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47683#.U2DxSsegdQI

The OPCW has done good work in Syria and elsewhere.

[KoKo]

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