Statement by EU HR Ashton welcomes publication of UN report on chemical weapons in Syria

17/9/2013 EU source: European Union Ref: EU13-430EN

Summary: 17 September 2013, Brussels - The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today on the publication of the report by the UN investigation mission on chemical weapons in Syria:

"I welcome the publication of the UN report on the events in Syria that unfolded on 21 August 2013. With this report we now have reliable evidence confirming that a large-scale chemical attack was perpetrated on that day with the use of sarin gas. The report also corroborates that surface-to-surface rockets containing the nerve agent sarin were used in four areas of Damascus. These are indications that will help identify the perpetrators.

The EU stands united in condemning, in the strongest terms, this horrific attack which constitutes a violation of international law, a war crime, and a crime against humanity. There can be no impunity and perpetrators of the attacks must be held accountable.

The publication of the report underlines the importance of the current international initiative for ensuring the swift and secure destruction of Syria's chemical weapons. I have welcomed the agreement between the United States and Russia, and I repeat my call on the UN Security Council to assume its responsibilities in agreeing swiftly on an effective resolution that will authorize the process.

I reiterate the full support of the EU for the immediate implementation of the agreed plan. I call on all partners in the international community to seize the momentum to reach a broader consensus for a negotiated political solution to the conflict in order to end the suffering of the Syrian people."