Syria: Use of Chemical Weapons is Inexcusable
Brussels, 26 August 2013 (ITUC OnLine): The ITUC is calling for the United Nations to complete a speedy and thorough
investigation into the use of chemical weapons in Syria, as details of the death and injury toll from last Wednesday’s
attack on the rebel-held Ghouta area emerge. Local hospitals have informed Médecins Sans Frontières that around 3,600
people have been treated for apparent neurotoxic symptoms, and that 355 of them have died.
“This is the fourth, and most serious use of chemical weapons in the Syrian conflict. While the Assad regime delayed
approval for the UN inspection visit, the UN team should try to establish the full facts of the deployment of these
horrific weapons, including any indications as to who carried out the attack,” said ITUC General Secretary Sharan
Burrow.
Assad’s forces subjected the area to heavy artillery bombardment in the days following the attack, reinforcing suspicion
that it was responsible. Syria is one of only seven countries to have refused to sign the UN Chemical Weapons
Convention.
“The international community must step up the quest for a political settlement to end the violence in Syria, and has to
act urgently to stop any further use of these appalling weapons. The people responsible for these chemical attacks must
be brought to justice,” said Burrow.
ENDS