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April 30, 2013

U.N. Seeks Firmer Evidence on Alleged Use of Chemical Weapons in Syria 
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The United Nations is seeking more concrete evidence to establish
whether President Bashar al-Assad's government has used chemical weapons
in its conflict with the rebels. While the United States and other
countries say they believe the regime likely used the deadly nerve agent
sarin, U.N. inspectors say the current evidence is not strong enough to
meet its standard of proof. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on
Syria to grant access to U.N. investigators so they can collect samples
from alleged attack sites and victims.

Ban Ki-moon: "I take seriously the recent intelligence report of the
United States about the use of chemical weapons in Syria. On-site
activities are essential if the United Nations is to be able to
establish the facts and clear all the doubts surrounding this issue. A
credible and comprehensive inquiry requires full access to the site
where chemical weapons are alleged to have been used. I again urge
Syrian authorities to allow the investigation to proceed without delay
and without any conditions."

 

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