It is of much concern to UK these days regarding the fact that quite a lot of evidence is there to prove that in Syria, usage of chemical weapons is being done.
William Hague, the foreign secretary, said that the claims should be looked into and those involved must be held to account for it.
By some British sources of intelligence, BBC was told that samples of soils taken randomly from some Syrian sites have been taken for testing to UK.
According to the sources, the evidence tells about some usage of the chemical weapons, though it’s not understandable by which of the sides.
It is believed that Syria has stocks of highly toxic sarin which is a verve agent and also much mustard gas.
Only a few countries are left who have not signed “Chemical Weapons Convention”,or CWC for short, that bans the use internationally. Syria happens to be one of these.
When Mr Hague was facing questioned by the ministers at the ‘House of Commons’, he said that he couldn’t publicly give any comment regarding matters of intelligence.
Yet, he appreciated the announcement by the secretary general of UN regarding investigation of the allegations. He called on Syria’s regime to fully cooperate, giving UN team limitless access.
Syrian Chemical Weapons
- CIA thinks that Syria has some programme regarding chemical weapons from many years and has got CW agents aplenty, which could be transferred by ballistic missile, artillery rocket and aircraft.
- It is believed that the toxic nerve agent sarin and mustard gas is possessed by Syria.
- CIA also thinks that Syria tried to produce nerve agents that are quite persistent and toxic, like VX gas
- A report regarding Western, Arab and Turkish intelligence agencies have placed Syria’s stockpile on about 1000 tonnes chemical weapons, being stored in cities and towns amounting to 50.
- The CWC has not been signed by Syria neither is the “Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention” been ratified by the country
He also said that they should take heed that the world is watching and those who order the use of chemical weapons or participate in their use must be held to account.
The British Office of “Foreign and Commonwealth” informed BBC that they do believe some reports which are saying that weapons like these have been used by the regime in a number of urban locations in tactical military engagements.
An expert team of UN in Cyprus is waiting for permission to gain entry in Syria.
This inquiry’s focus would be on the incident in Khan-al-Assal last month, in the province of Aleppo.
Damascus says that the rebel forces made use of the chemical weapons, though the rebel commanders blamed the forces of government of executing this attack, making reference to reports about the victims suffering from bluish skin and breathing difficulties.
If it gets verified, then it’d happen to be first time of use of the chemical weapons in the conflict from two years, that is thought by UN to take about 70, 000 lives.
Frank Gardner, the security correspondent of BBC, thinks that British Government provided the team all the technical training but whose task has been postponed due to the diplomatic wrangling on access and also their security.
Opposition’s demands about allowing inspectors to visit more such locations where government forces are accused of using chemical weapons by the rebels, are rejected by Damascus.
US President Obama said the use by Syrian government of the chemical weapons will mark “red line” and its crossing will have quite significant consequences.
The Security Council of UN is divided due to resentment among themselves regarding Syrian War, just after China and Russia opposed the resolutions quite often, which were to increase pressure on Syrian government.
UN investigation is welcomed by Russia but it says that the investigation should only be limited to incident of Khan al-Assal.
UN investigation has been welcomed by Russia, however claims that should be confined to the Khan al-Assal event.
