UN: Syrian government and ISIS used chemical weapons
The United Nations has concluded after an investigation that the Syrian government and its armed opposition have used chemical weapons in the conflict over the past two years. Global protests against this action are very strong.
German Foreign Minister Rank-Walter Steinmeier strongly condemned the use of chemical weapons in Syria and called for an appropriate response. "We strongly condemn the use of chemical weapons in Syria by any force," he said.
The German foreign minister called for a strong response to the groups that have used the weapons in Berlin on Thursday (August 25). "The use of chemical weapons, especially against civilians, and the disregard for international agreements in this regard must not go unanswered," Steinmeier said.
After months of investigation, a UN Commission of Inquiry has issued a report concluding that the Syrian government and the Islamic State jihadists have used chemical weapons in the past two years of conflict. The Commission of Inquiry was mandated by the UN Security Council to investigate the matter.
The German foreign minister said the UN report confirmed the concerns that many had about this. He called for a firm response from the Security Council to the move, saying: "I hope that the UN Security Council will take a unified response based on the facts presented and make such an action impossible in the future."
Global reactions
French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault also called for a firm response from the United Nations to the move. "France calls for a very firm response to this action. The United Nations Security Council must deal with this matter responsibly," he said.
The United States has also called on the United Nations Security Council to punish those who use chemical weapons in Syria.
Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the UN, called for a strong and swift response from the Security Council. Ned Price, a spokesman for the US National Security Council, said in Washington: "It is no longer possible to deny that the Syrian government has used chlorine gas against its own citizens."
Although the UN Security Council has threatened to impose sanctions on violators, it is not yet clear whether Russia, which fully supports President Bashar al-Assad, will veto the Security Council resolution.
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday (August 30) to consider the commission's report.
Ban: DW
