New report on use of chemical weapons in Syria unconvincing: Russia

Russia described the latest report by the OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) in Syria as "unconvincing," saying that the report is "not substantiated by sufficient testimonial basis".

"We can say now that in most cases they are not substantiated by sufficient testimonial basis, first of all material proof, they are full of contradictions and therefore, unconvincing," Russia's permanent representative to the UN Vitaly Churkin said in a statement on Thursday.

"The JIM has added nothing new to the story, but for some reasons decided to re-adjust the initial conclusions on the incidents in Marea, Sarmin and Talmenes," Churkin said.

"As we understand the conclusions of the JIM are not definitive, have no legally binding force and cannot serve as accusatory conclusions for taking legal decisions," he said.

Earlier in 2016, the Security Council voiced its concern about the use of chemical weapons by warring parties in Syria, including terrorists.

The Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) is tasked with identifying "individuals, entities, groups, or governments involved in the use of chemicals as weapons" in Syria, according to the Security Council.

Based in The Hague, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) with JIM in Syria was established after the UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2235 which aimed at identifying those behind chemical weapons attacks in Syria.

--IANS

vgu/