OPCW claims toxic chemicals were used in Syria

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has stated that toxic chemicals, most likely pulmonary irritating agents, such as chlorine have been used in Syria.

The OPCW/UN chemical weapons inspectors, who came under attack last month which prevented the fact-finding mission from conducting an important field visit, have now claimed to have found information suggesting that the chemicals had been used in the Syria conflict.

According to the Xinhua news agency, OPCW Director-General Ahmet Uzumcu commended the commitment and dedication of the team of OPCW and UN officials for courageously pressing on with the task that was assigned to them, despite the well-known risks, in a statement.

He added that the ongoing delays in transporting the remaining 8 percent of chemicals would mean that Syria will miss the target date of June 30 for the complete destruction of its chemical weapons program and urged Syrian authorities to redouble their efforts to complete the transportation of the remaining chemicals without further delay.