Germany rejects claims it exported chemicals to Syria for use in deadly weapons

Germany has rejected opposition claims that 111 tons of chemicals were exported to Syria between 2002 and 2006 by the government, which could have contributed to the August 21 sarin gas attack on citizens living in Damascus suburbs.

The economy ministry clarified that the chemicals sold between 2002 and 2003, and in 2005 and 2006 were for civilian use and export permits were granted after careful consideration of all possible risks, News24 reports.

According to the European Union (EU) law, these chemicals, like sodium fluoride, hydrofluoric acid and ammonium hydrogen fluoride, are classified as 'dual use chemicals' as they can be used for either civil or military purposes. Hence, they require special export permits.

The government said it had no information that the delivered goods were later used for purposes other than the originally declared civilian purpose.

Foreign affairs spokesperson for the Left Party Jan van Aken condemned the sale of the chemicals to Syria, which is world known to have a huge chemical weapons programme.

The United Nations investigators also confirmed on Monday that sarin was used in the attack, which killed 1,400 people in rebel-held area of Damascus.