Post date: Apr 14, 2013 2:18:24 PM
Syria's Information Minister Omran Al-Zoabi says any soil tests investigating alleged chemical weapons use carried out without government's approval will have no "scientific, legal or political value" and will be considered "forgery".
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (APRIL 14, 2013) (REUTERS) - Syria's Information Minister said on Sunday (April 14) that any chemical test of its soil, carried out without the Syrian government's approval, will not be accepted.
"Any soil test or other that is undertaken without the concerned international agencies, the approval of Syrian government and through the procedures that are taken in such cases, have no scientific, legal or political value and are considered forgery against the rights of the state and nation of Syria," said Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zoabi at the opening of a photography exhibition showing damage done to religious and other hostoric buildings during the conflict.A team of United Nations-led experts is waiting in Cyprus for the go-ahead to investigate three previous allegations of chemical weapons attacks in Syria, including one the government said was a poison attack by rebels in Aleppo last month.
"Where did those who brought the rocket into Khan al-Assal come from? Where did they get the chemical weapons from? They should ask Turkey, Britain, Franceand the other states about the source of this chemical weapon. And that's why they are trying to get away with, and cover up, this issue," Zoabi added.
The team of at least 15 investigators includes analytical chemists, able to collect and test suspected samples, and World Health Organisation experts on the medical effects of exposure to toxins, who could examine alleged victims.
The government of President Bashar al-Assad has rejected demands by the opposition that the inspectors be sent to investigate cases in Homs andDamascus where rebels say government forces used chemical munitions