UN Security Council convenes informal meeting on Syria

The UN Security Council today called for an emergency informal meeting of its members following reports of alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria.

The emergency meeting of the 15-membered body was called after a request in this regard was made by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal.

Syrian rebels have accused the regime of using chemical weapons near Damascus that allegedly left more than 1,300 people dead.

However, Syria's state-run news agency Sana said "reports on the use of chemical weapons in Ghouta are totally false. It's an attempt to prevent the UN commission of inquiry from carrying out its mission."

The US also called for a Security Council meeting following reports that hundreds of people have died in an alleged chemical attack in Syria.

Shocked to hear the reports of the alleged use of chemical weapons in the suburbs of Damascus, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said any use of chemical weapons by any side under any circumstances would violate international humanitarian law.

"Professor Ake Sellstrom and his team are currently in the Syrian Arab Republic to investigate the alleged use of chemical weapons reported by the Government of Syria at Khan al-Assal as well as two other allegations of the use of chemical weapons reported by Member States. According to the agreement reached in Damascus in July, the two parties are discussing, in parallel, other allegations and their related sites," said a statement attributable to his spokesman.

The UN mission to investigate allegations of chemical weapons use in Syria is following the current situation in Syria carefully and remains fully engaged in the investigation process that is mandated by the Secretary General, it said.

Professor Sellstrom is in discussions with the Syrian Government on all issues pertaining to the alleged use of chemical weapons, including this most recent reported incident, the spokesman added.

Ban is aware that a number of Member States, the Arab League and the European Union have expressed grave concern about the most recent reports of the possible use of chemical weapons in Syria, the spokesman said, adding that the Secretary-General reaffirms his determination to ensure a thorough investigation of the reported alleged incidents that are brought to his attention by Member States.