Deeply Troubled by Alleged Chemical Weapons Use in Syria, Secretary-General

Urges Access for Swift Investigation by United Nations Mission

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General remains deeply troubled by the reports of the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria.  The Secretary-General believes that the incidents reported yesterday need to be investigated without delay.  Since yesterday, he has been in touch with world leaders on the matter.  He has instructed Under-Secretary-General Angela Kane to travel to Damascus.  Furthermore, senior UN officials have been in contact with the Syrian authorities since the first reports were received.

The Secretary-General takes positive note of yesterday’s meeting of the Security Council, as well as the conclusions by the President of the Security Council supporting his intention to conduct a thorough, impartial and prompt investigation.

The Secretary-General now calls for the mission, presently in Damascus, to be granted permission and access to swiftly investigate the incident which occurred on the morning of 21 August.  A formal request is being sent by the United Nations to the Government of Syria in this regard.  He expects to receive a positive response without delay.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call for a cessation of hostilities so that humanitarian assistance can be urgently delivered.

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For information media • not an official record