Assad’s Undeclared Chemicals and Denying the OPCW Fact Finding Mission Access to Chlorine-hit Areas

Press Statement

Salem Al Meslet

Syrian Coalition Spokesperson

May 08, 2015

Following a report by Reuters quoting diplomatic sources and international weapons inspectors stating that new evidence was found that Assad withheld some of his chemical stockpile and refused the OPCW Fact Finding Mission access to sites affected by chemical attacks, Spokesperson of the Syrian Coalition said:

“Once again we are provided with evidence that Assad has been lying through his teeth since he was forced to agree to the removal his regime’s chemical weapons arsenal in 2013. Not only did Assad keep chemical materials of the most dangerous nature, including the extremely toxic nerve agent VX and Sarin, he also blocked the OPCW Fact Finding Mission from entering rebel-held areas to conduct an independent investigation into the use of chlorine, Assad’s weapon of choice since joining the OPCW in 2013.

The OPCW needs to pass this new evidence to the UN Security Council which, in turn, must act immediately to put an end to Assad’s chemical atrocities. A mandate by the Council under chapter VII is needed whereby the OPCW is granted unhindered access to investigate the recent chlorine attacks but, equally vital, to establish responsibility so that perpetrators of those attacks can be held accountable.”