The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) welcomed the findings of the first report by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ (OPCW) Investigation and Identification Team (IIT). Based on the findings of the report, the SOC called for international action in accordance with Chapter VII of the UN Charter and in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2118.
OPCW on Wednesday released a report attributing three instances of chemical weapons use to the Assad regime. The OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) concluded that the Assad regime used chemical weapons in three attacks in the town of Ltamenah in northern rural Hama in late March 2017.
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, said the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “took note” of the report and demanded accountability for those involved in the use of chemical weapons against civilians in Syria.
The SOC stressed that “following the issuance of this report and its findings, members of the UN Security Council who are keen on preserving international security and stability are required, along with international actors, to take the necessary measures to hold the perpetrators accountable and prevent a repeat of such crimes.”
“The international position from now on should be different and more aware of the need to take concrete measures against the Assad regime under Chapter VII and in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions,” the SOC added.
The SOC has repeatedly affirmed the international community’s responsibility for punishing those responsible for the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
It has already warned of the wrong messages that the continuing international inaction is sending to the regime and to the rest of the authoritarian regimes around the world. “Indeed, this inaction constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security, the international law, and OPCW’s credibility and future.” (Source: SOC’s Media Department)
