Alarmed by Persistent Allegations of Chemical Weapon Use, Secretary-General Voices Support for Syria Investigation, Stressing ‘Impunity Cannot Prevail’

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General met on 20 March with the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and reiterated his support for its work in investigating allegations of the use of chemical weapons in Syria, and his confidence in the integrity and expertise of OPCW, its fact‑finding mission and its conclusions.

The Secretary-General is alarmed at the persistent allegations of the use of chemical weapons in Syria.  The use of chemical weapons, under any circumstances, is unjustifiable and abhorrent.  Equally unjustifiable is a lack of response to such use, if and when it occurs.  Impunity cannot prevail with respect to such serious crimes.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call for the Security Council to demonstrate unity and resolve on this matter.