Secretary-General Outraged by Continued Reports of Chemical Weapons Use in Syria

The following statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres was issued today:

I am outraged by the continued reports of use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Repubic.  I reiterate my strong condemnation of the use of chemical weapons against the civilian population.  Any confirmed use of chemical weapons, by any party to the conflict and under any circumstances, is abhorrent and a clear violation of international law.

The seriousness of the recent allegations requires a thorough investigation using impartial, independent and professional expertise.  In that regard, I reaffirm my full support for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and its fact-finding mission in undertaking the required investigation into these allegations.  The fact-finding mission should be granted full access, without any restrictions or impediments to perform its activities.

The norms against chemical weapons must be upheld.  I appeal to the Security Council to fulfil its responsibility and find unity on this issue.  I also encourage the Council to redouble its efforts to agree on a dedicated mechanism for accountability.

I stand ready to support such efforts.