Lavrov says results of Syria chemical weapons study ‘convincing’July 10, 2013 - 23:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday, July 10, that the evidence indicating the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian opposition had been analyzed by Russian experts in line with strict international standards, according to RIA Novosti. Russia has submitted to the United Nations a comprehensive study of soil samples taken from the site of a reported chemical attack by Syrian opposition forces outside the northern city of Aleppo in March. The study determined that the nerve agent sarin was used and that it was not “industrially manufactured.” “We have handed over a full package of documents, over 80 pages, including photos and certain lists of geographical locations, procedures and results,” Lavrov told reporters in Moscow. “We guarantee that the samples were taken by experts who did not lose sight of these samples until they delivered them to the laboratory,” he said, adding that the study the study was carried out completely in line with the criteria of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Both sides in the ongoing Syrian civil war have traded allegations of chemical weapons use. Earlier reports by foreign experts claimed that the Syrian government used chemical weapons on several occasions during the two-year conflict. Those reports prompted the United States and the European Union to lift sanctions on weapons sales to Syrian rebels. Lavrov criticized the quality of those reports saying the samples analyzed by foreign experts were passed from “hands to hands” before being studied in laboratories and did not meet the OPCW standards. He also said Russia was ready to disclose the results of its study to the public if the UN Security Council gave its approval. “They [the results] are quite convincing, and I think this [the public disclosure] should answer many questions,” Lavrov said. The Russian foreign minister concluded that the situation with the chemical weapons issue should not be used as a pretext for attaining certain geopolitical goals or “certain moves in diplomatic games.” According to UN data, nearly 100,000 people have been killed in the Syrian conflict. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |