Paris (Sputnik) – Paris concerned about the reported use of chemical weapons in Eastern ghouta in Syria and urges the convening of the UN security Council to discuss the situation, the Minister of foreign Affairs of France Jean-Yves Le Drian said.
“Let me remind you that the use of chemical weapons is a war crime and a violation of international non-proliferation regime. France, as President of the Republic has repeatedly said will take care of all responsibilities in the fight against the proliferation of chemical weapons. France calls on the Security Council of the United Nations as soon as possible to convene a meeting to discuss the situation in Eastern ghouta,” said the Minister of foreign Affairs of France Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement.
He also expressed concern over reports of new chemical weapons.
“I Express my outrage at the images and information [about the alleged chemical attack], which is referred to several organizations that were witnesses on the scene,” said Le Drian.
Le Drian added that France is actively cooperating with its allies and international organizations to verify the reality and origin of these attacks.
He also condemned the blockade of the city of Duma in Eastern ghouta in Syria by government troops.
“I strongly condemn the continued siege on the city of Duma in Eastern ghouta by the Assad regime and bombing, which resulted in a large number of civilian casualties in the last 24 hours,” said the Minister.
Earlier in the day, Russian Centre for reconciliation in Syria denied reports on the use in Syria of chemical weapons and expressed willingness to send specialists of chemical protection after the complete liberation of the region are ready to prove the nature of these statements. The head of the center described the allegations as an attempt to interfere with the process of the withdrawal of Jaysh al-Islam militants from the Duma.
The Russian foreign Ministry said that attacks information about the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government forces aimed to cover terrorists and justify possible external hostilities. The Ministry also warned against any military action based on contrived and trumped-up reports, adding that this can have serious consequences.
On Saturday a number of media, citing the Syrian militants, accused Damascus of using chemical weapons in douma. In turn, the news Agency of Syria, Sana reported citing Syrian officials that these claims are merely a provocation Jaish al Islam and a group of other fighters, to hinder the advance of the Syrian army.
Sourse: sputniknews.com
