Boris Johnson attacks ‘cruel barbarity’ of Syria’s rulers after fresh proof they used chemical weapons on their own people
The Foreign Secretary said the 'horrific' attacks were in breach of international law after a probe found a third gas incident
BORIS Johnson said the use of chemical attacks by the Syrian regime underlined the “cruel barbarity” of the country’s leadership.
The Foreign Secretary said the deployment of chemical weapons was “horrific” and in breach of international law after a probe found a third incident using chlorine gas.
He called on the Syrian regime and its Russian backers to end the bloodshed.
It comes as investigators from the United Nations and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons found that there was “sufficient evidence” to conclude Syrian forces were responsible for at attack in the country in March last year.
A report, to be discussed by the UN Security Council this week, said a device dropped from high altitude “hit the ground and released a toxic substance”.
Hospital staff and witnesses identified the smell and symptoms as chlorine gas.
It follows a report from August that blamed President Assad’s government for using chlorine gas in two attacks and Islamic State used mustard gas in one incident.
Mr Johnson said: “This independent investigation has concluded that the Assad regime has used chemical weapons against the Syrian people on at least three occasions, and that Daesh has used such weapons at least once.”
He added that the attacks ”demonstrate the cruel barbarity of the Assad regime in this conflict” and that it had failed to co-operate with the probe.
He said: “The use of chemical weapons is horrific, and a breach of international law and UN Security Council resolutions.
“It is crucial to hold those responsible to account.
“The regime and its backers, notably Russia, are inflicting the worst bombardment seen yet on Aleppo, and other towns and areas in Syria, causing severe humanitarian suffering.
“We are seeing heartbreaking scenes.
“The UK will continue to work with the international community to pursue an end to the regime’s indiscriminate bombing campaign, full and sustained humanitarian access, an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and a return to the negotiating table.”
