US calls for UN probe into use of chemical weapons in Syria

The US today condemned any and all use of chemical weapons in Syria and called for a UN investigations following reports of alleged use of chemical weapons in the restive Arab country.
The US "strongly condemns any and all use of chemical weapons. Those responsible for the use of chemical weapons must be held accountable. We are formally requesting that the United Nations urgently investigate this new allegation," White House Principal Deputy Secretary Josh Earnest said.
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 UN investigative team, which is currently in Syria, is prepared to do so, and that is consistent with its purpose and mandate. For the UN's efforts to be credible, they must have immediate access to witnesses and affected individuals, and have the ability to examine and collect physical evidence without any interference or manipulation," he said.
"If the Syrian government has nothing to hide and is truly committed to an impartial and credible investigation of chemical weapons use in Syria, it will facilitate the UN team's immediate and unfettered access to this site," Earnest said.

"We have also called for urgent consultations in the UN Security Council to discuss these allegations and to call for the Syrian government to provide immediate access to the UN investigative team," he said.

"The United States urges all Syrian parties including the government and opposition, to provide immediate access to any and all sites of importance to the investigation and to ensure security for the UN investigative team," he said.
Earnest said the US is deeply concerned by reports that hundreds of Syrian civilians have been killed in the chemical weapons attack near Damascus, which he blamed on the Syrian government forces.
"We are working urgently to gather additional information," he said.