Iranian, Syrian FMs Denounce Chemical Weapons Use by Rebels
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – In a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, the Syrian foreign minister dismissed allegations that the government used chemical weapons, and announced that the UN inspectors will be allowed to visit the affected areas to find out the facts on the ground.
In a telephone call with Iranian foreign minister on Saturday, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said Takfiri (extremists) and terrorist groups carried out the recent chemical attack in that country, and that his governmnet would make it possible for the UN team of inspectors, who are currently in the country, to visit the areas targeted by chemical weapons.
Muallem also denied the allegations that the government, or the militias that support it, has used chemical weapons, and described the issue as an unfounded accusation made by enemies of the Syrian nation.
Mohammad Javad Zarif, for his part, condemned the use of chemical weapons by terrorist groups, saying that such measures are against all international humanitarian law.
He further said that any approach to the Syrian crisis, except a peaceful, diplomatic one, would be doomed to failure and have grave consequences, and urged all to support the political crisis-resolution process as the only practical solution to the prolonged conflict in Syria.
Opposition groups alleged the Syrian government on Wednesday fired rockets with chemical warheads into the Damascus suburbs of Arbeen, Zamalka and Ein Tarma. The attack reportedly left hundreds dead.
However, Syria's government has repeatedly denied the use of chemical weapons.
