AhlulBayt News Agency

source : Press TV
Sunday

25 August 2013

7:30:00 PM
455894

China urges caution on Syria chemical Weapon allegations

China has called for a "cautious" approach to the Syrian chemical weapons issue, urging an independent investigation by the UN experts into allegations of the gas attack near Damascus.

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - "All parties should handle the chemical weapons issue cautiously to avoid interfering in the overall direction of solving the Syria issue through political settlement," Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a statement on the Chinese Foreign Ministry's website on Monday. 

Meanwhile, a team of UN experts started its investigation into the alleged chemical attack in Damascus suburbs from Monday. 

Beijing backs the UN investigation to "find out the truth as soon as possible," the statement added. 

"China has paid high attention to the reports that chemical weapons have been used in Syria," Wang said, adding, "China's view is that we will firmly oppose anyone who uses chemical weapons."

On August 21, the head of the so-called opposition Syrian National Coalition, George Sabra, claimed that 1,300 people were killed in a government chemical attack on militant strongholds in Damascus suburbs of Ain Tarma, Zamalka and Jobar. 

The Syrian government, however, has vehemently rejected the allegation, saying the foreign-backed militants had carried out the attack. 

Last week, China said the UN team of inspectors should be ‘objective’ and ‘fully consult’ with the government of President Bashar al-Assad in their investigation. 

Syria has been gripped by deadly unrest since 2011. The United Nations says more than 100,000 people have been killed and millions displaced since the outbreak of the violence.


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