OPCW condemns use of Chlorine gas in Syria

The Executive Council of the OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) meeting in the Hague on Wednesday expressed its serious concern regarding the findings of its Fact-Finding Mission that chlorine had been used as a weapon in three villages in northern Syria from April to August, 2014. The Council in a statement reaffirmed its condemnation of the use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances and emphasised that any use of chemical weapons anywhere at any time by anyone under any circumstances is unacceptable and would violate international law. The Council expressed its strong conviction that those individuals responsible for the use of chemical weapons should be held accountable.
It also expressed support for the continuation of the work of the Fact Finding Mission and called upon all parties to extend their full cooperation to the Mission to ensure that it completes its work safely and effectively.
Meanwhile, OPCW Director-General Ahmet Uzumcu welcomed the commitment of States Parties to protect and strengthen the fundamental goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention. "This decision makes it absolutely clear that chemical weapons are illegal, and that their use will not be tolerated under any circumstances," he stressed.