Catherine Ashton statement on the latest reports of use of chemical weapons in Damascus

EUROPEA- U-IO-

Brussels, 21 August 2013

A 427/13

Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton

on the latest reports of use of chemical weapons in Damascus

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice

President of the Commission issued the following statement today:

"I have seen with grave concern the reports of the possible use of chemical weapons by the Syrian

regime. I reiterate that any use of chemical weapons, by any side in Syria, would be totally

unacceptable.

Such accusations should be immediately and thoroughly investigated by the United ations expert

mission which arrived recently in Syria.

The mission must be allowed full and unhindered access to all sites on the Syrian territory

according to its requirements. The Syrian authorities as well as all other parties in Syria need to

provide all necessary support to and cooperation with the mission's operations.

I have also noted invitations by the opposition for the mission to visit rebel-held areas."

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P R E S S

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - [email protected]

Sebastien Brabant +32 460 75 09 98 - [email protected]

-abila Massrali +32 460 754 175 - +32 2 29 69218 - [email protected]

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بيان الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون حول التقارير عن استخدام الأسلحة الكيميائية في دمشق (الغوطة)، يطالب بتحقيق فوري لبعثة الأمم المتحدة ووصولها الكامل إلى المواقع.