Syrian regime has formally accepted the modalities essential for cooperation to ensure the proper, safe and efficient conduct of the mission by the UN team investigating the alleged use of chemical weapons in the ongoing conflict, the UN announced Wednesday.
“The departure of the team is now imminent,” said a statement issued by the spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “As agreed with the government of Syria, the team will remain in the country to conduct its activities, including on-site visits, for a period of up to 14 days, extendable upon mutual consent.”
The statement indicated that "the fact-finding mission was launched by Ban earlier this year following a formal request from the Syrian government. The team, led by Swedish scientist Åke Sellstrom, completed the logistical arrangements for their mission last weekend".
“The Secretary-General wishes to express his appreciation to the government of Syria for its cooperation,” said his spokesperson. “Our goal remains a fully independent and impartial inquiry”.
Spokesperson added that "Ban believes that an effective mechanism to investigate allegations of the use of chemical weapons can serve as an important deterrent against their employment".
“The overwhelming support of the international community for this investigation makes clear that the use of chemical weapons by any side under any circumstances would constitute an outrageous crime,” the statement highlighted.
A date for the mission has not been announced, yet.
Sellstrom is the head of the investigation team. She was appointed by Ban Ki-Moon to launch a technical probe to determine whether chemical weapons were used in Syria.
Angela Kane, the UN disarmament representative, paid a two-day visit in Syria at the end of July. Her talks there saw an agreement with the Damascus regime to conduct simultaneous investigations in 3 regions of the country, including Khan al-Assal district of Aleppo.
Syrian government had applied to the UN, claiming the opposition groups used chemical weapons in Khan al-Assal, which in turn prompted Britain, France and the United States to appeal to the UN, claiming the Syrian government used chemical weapons multiple times against rebel fighters and civilians.
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