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U.N. chief expresses “shock” at alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria

NEW YORK – A United Nations leader expressed shock at reports of alleged use today of chemical weapons in Syria’s Damascus suburbs, as a United Nations team continues to investigate the matter in others parts of the war-torn country.

The team “is following the current situation in Syria carefully, and remains fully engaged in the investigation process that is mandated by the Secretary General,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s spokesperson told journalists in New York.

The UN team is spending up to 14 days, with a possible extension, probing the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Government of Syria at Khan al-Asal, as well as two other allegations reported by Member States.

According to the agreement reached in Damascus in July, the two parties are discussing, in parallel, other allegations and their related sites.

“Professor [Åke] Sellström is in discussions with the Syrian Government on all issues pertaining to the alleged use of chemical weapons, including this most recent reported incident,” the spokesperson noted.

He added that Mr. Ban is aware that a number of Member States, the Arab League and the European Union have expressed grave concern about the most recent reports of the possible use of chemical weapons.

Mr. Ban reiterated that the use of chemical weapons by any side under any circumstances would violate international law, and reaffirmed the need for a “thorough investigation” of the alleged incidents, according to the spokesperson.

The 15-member Security Council is due to discuss Syria later today in a closed meeting in New York.

Meanwhile, in Cairo, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman met with Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby today to discuss a range of issues, including efforts towards a political solution to the conflict in Syria.

The Joint Special Representative for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, who reports to both organizations, has been supporting efforts on a political solution including a second international conference on Syria to be held in Geneva.

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