Asia

Asia

Syria chemical attack undeniable, says OPCW chief

20 April 2017 04:39 (UTC +04:00)

Sarin or a similar nerve agent was used in the Khan Sheikhun chemical attack that killed dozens earlier this month in Syria, according to initial findings announced by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), APA reports quoting Anadolu Agency.

The organization's laboratories examined samples from three bodies brought to Turkey for autopsy following the attack in Idlib, OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Uzumcu said in a statement Wednesday.

“The results of these analyses from four OPCW designated laboratories indicate exposure to Sarin or a Sarin like substance,” Uzumcu said.

“While further details of the laboratory analyses will follow, the analytical results already obtained are incontrovertible,” he said.

Samples from seven individuals undergoing treatment at hospitals yielded similar results, Uzumcu said.

“Ambassador Uzumcu repeated his request for the continued support of all States Parties, including through the provision of relevant information, to ensure that the Technical Secretariat is able to pursue its work, and to allow it to fulfill the OPCW mission within a reasonable time frame,” statement added.

The attack led to widespread international outrage, including attempts to pass a UN Security Council resolution condemning it, blocked last week by Russia.