Security Council draft statement on chemical attack in Syria, blocked by Russia

Draft UN Security Council - Syria CW Press Statement - August 21, 2013.

members of the security council express their grave concern at the reports of use of chemical weapons in Syria, in particular today's alleged use near Damascus.

Members of the Security Council welcome the fact that the Mission to Investigate Allegations of the Use of Chemical Weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic is currently working in the country.

Members of the Security Council underscore the importance of a fully independent and impartial investigation into all allegations of use of chemical weapons in Syria and, in this regard, request the secretary General urgently take the steps necessary for today's attack to be investigated by the UN mission currently on the ground. The members if the Security Council call on all parties to allow safe, full and unfettered access to the UN mission and to comply with all requests for evidence and information.

Further, the members of the Security council underscore the need for victims of this attack to receive immediate humanitarian assistance.

The members of the Security Council reiterate their condemnation of any use of chemical weapons in Syria and reaffirm that the use of chemical weapons would be a serious violation of international law.

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