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In reply to the discussion: White House: Irrefutable Assad link to gas attack lacking, but passes ‘common-sense test’ [View all]deutsey
(20,166 posts)71. Response to Government References to MSF Syria Statement
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/press/release.cfm?id=7033&cat=press-release
August 28, 2013Over the last two days, the American, British, and other governments have referred to reports from several groups, including Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), while stating that the use of chemical weapons in Syria was undeniable and designating the perpetrators.
MSF today warned that its medical information could not be used as evidence to certify the precise origin of the exposure to a neurotoxic agent or to attribute responsibility.
On August 24, MSF announced that three hospitals it supplies in Syrias Damascus governorate had reportedly received 3,600 patients displaying neurotoxic symptoms, of which 355 died. Although our information indicates mass exposure to a neurotoxic agent, MSF clearly stated that scientific confirmation of the toxic agent was required, and therefore called for an independent investigation to shed light on what would constitute, if confirmed, a massive and unacceptable violation of international humanitarian law.
MSF also stated that in its role as an independent medical humanitarian organization, it was not in a position to determine responsibility for the event. Now that an investigation is underway by United Nations inspectors, MSF rejects that our statement be used as a substitute for the investigation or as a justification for military action. MSF's sole purpose is to save lives, alleviate the suffering of populations torn by Syrian conflict, and bear witness when confronted with a critical event, in strict compliance with the principles of neutrality and impartiality.
The latest massive influx of patients displaying neurotoxic symptoms in Damascus governorate comes on top of an already catastrophic humanitarian situation facing the Syrian people, one characterized by extreme violence, displacement, the destruction of medical facilities, and severely limited or blocked humanitarian action.
August 28, 2013Over the last two days, the American, British, and other governments have referred to reports from several groups, including Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), while stating that the use of chemical weapons in Syria was undeniable and designating the perpetrators.
MSF today warned that its medical information could not be used as evidence to certify the precise origin of the exposure to a neurotoxic agent or to attribute responsibility.
On August 24, MSF announced that three hospitals it supplies in Syrias Damascus governorate had reportedly received 3,600 patients displaying neurotoxic symptoms, of which 355 died. Although our information indicates mass exposure to a neurotoxic agent, MSF clearly stated that scientific confirmation of the toxic agent was required, and therefore called for an independent investigation to shed light on what would constitute, if confirmed, a massive and unacceptable violation of international humanitarian law.
MSF also stated that in its role as an independent medical humanitarian organization, it was not in a position to determine responsibility for the event. Now that an investigation is underway by United Nations inspectors, MSF rejects that our statement be used as a substitute for the investigation or as a justification for military action. MSF's sole purpose is to save lives, alleviate the suffering of populations torn by Syrian conflict, and bear witness when confronted with a critical event, in strict compliance with the principles of neutrality and impartiality.
The latest massive influx of patients displaying neurotoxic symptoms in Damascus governorate comes on top of an already catastrophic humanitarian situation facing the Syrian people, one characterized by extreme violence, displacement, the destruction of medical facilities, and severely limited or blocked humanitarian action.
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White House: Irrefutable Assad link to gas attack lacking, but passes ‘common-sense test’ [View all]
morningfog
Sep 2013
OP
WTF? Common sense test says last thing the Assad regime wanted was this situation.
Warren Stupidity
Sep 2013
#3
Actually Occam's razor and common sense need not be the same thing at all.
Warren Stupidity
Sep 2013
#47
and was Obama President then? The Republicans were and we know how they feel about
VanillaRhapsody
Sep 2013
#51
Sure, I was. That didn't mean I thought it was advisable to invade Iraq n/t
markpkessinger
Sep 2013
#55
"Common-sense"... Would seem to be that rebels stole chemical weapons and used them to drum up
Taitertots
Sep 2013
#5
Indeed. "Common-sense" says that the DAY the UN CW inspectors arrive is not the DAY...
Junkdrawer
Sep 2013
#7
Please. This is a devastating story and needs to be disseminated far and wide. Completely
HardTimes99
Sep 2013
#18
Hey sport, how many more humans are you willing to kill based merely based on 'common sense'? You're
HardTimes99
Sep 2013
#34
"And jurors, during your deliberations ignore the evidence you've heard, and just go with your gut!"
reformist2
Sep 2013
#12
If common sense was really all that common, it wouldn't be remarked upon when it happens.
hobbit709
Sep 2013
#20
Before I was merely sad. Now I am really mad. Those sociopathic lying warmongering,
HardTimes99
Sep 2013
#21
Does the 'common sense' theory apply to OUR OWN War Criminals then? Can we just arrest them and
sabrina 1
Sep 2013
#22
He has not consulted the mighty Carnac the Great! Miss Cleo should have some input too...
L0oniX
Sep 2013
#68
Common sense test says that going to war requires evidence beyond a reasonable doubt
leveymg
Sep 2013
#39
Even IF they had 'irrefutable evidence' linking the attacks to Assad . . .
markpkessinger
Sep 2013
#43
Sorry, Mr. President -- I don't want my country engaging in acts of war . . .
markpkessinger
Sep 2013
#50
Yeah ...well ...the only place this is "common sense" is in the fucking DC bubble. FFS!
L0oniX
Sep 2013
#64
Joe Biden said this day would come, and we'd have to stand with the President.
Common Sense Party
Sep 2013
#76