Ban: Chemical Arms Used against Both Civilians and Military Targets in Syria

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon confirmed that chemical weapons were used in five sites in Syria, against civilians and military targets.

He called on to hold accountable those who are responsible for the attacks.

Speaking before the United Nations General Assembly, Ban deBan Ki-moonplored “in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons in Syria,” describing such attacks as “offense against the universal values of humankind.”

A UN report, issued Thursday by a team tasked with probing chemical attacks in Syria, concluded that such banned arms were used at least five times in the conflict-hit country.

“I note with a deep concern that the team collected evidence and information corroborating allegations that chemical weapons were used on several occasions at multiple sites against both civilians and military targets,” Ban said.

“The international community has a moral and political responsibility to hold accountable those responsible to deter further incidents and ensure that chemical weapons can never reemerge as an instrument of warfare,” the UN Chief added.

Meanwhile, Ban said he was “encouraged” by progress made in dismantling Syria’s chemical arsenal.

“The international community continues to expect the Syrian Arab Republic will implement faithfully its obligations to complete the elimination by the first half of 2014,” he said.