UN to investigate alleged chemical rocket attack in Syria

USPA News - The United Nations (UN) on Thursday announced that it will launch an independent investigation into allegations of the possible use of chemical weapons in Syria UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon made the announcement after receiving a formal request from the Syrian officials in which they asked for a specialized, impartial and independent mission to investigate the alleged use of chemical weapons during Tuesday`s attack. Suspected terrorists allegedly fired a rocket with chemical materials on the village of Khan al-Assal on the outskirts of Aleppo, killing and injuring dozens of people.

"The investigation mission is to look into the specific incident brought to my attention by the Syrian Government," the Secretary-General said on Thursday morning during a press conference in New York. "I am, of course, aware that there are other allegations of similar cases involving the reported use of chemical weapons," Ban added, explaining that the investigation will start "as soon as practically possible." Ban continued explaining that senior advisers have been working on the modalities in close consultation with the relevant bodies, including the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Nonetheless, he stressed the importance of "full cooperation from all parties" which includes "unfettered access." "My announcement should serve as an unequivocal reminder that the use of chemical weapons is a crime against humanity," Ban reiterated, again calling on the regional and international community to help Syria obtain a political solution.