Syrian FM dismisses any use of chemical weapons by Damascus

Muallem stressed that the Syrian Army has mentioned its stance against using nuclear weapons in a recent letter sent to the United Nations Security Council and Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Addressing a news conference on Thursday, he added that Damascus has joined Chemical Weapons Non-Proliferation Treaty and has so far presented precise reports thereof to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons which has approved their accuracy.

The Syrian foreign minister made the remarks while commenting on recent allegations levelled against the country by certain states about its alleged use of chemical weapons against Syrian civilians in Khan Shaykhun region in Idleb, north of Syria.

The oppressive allegations were made at a time when terrorists invaded Jouber and northern Hamah, Muallem said.

He further contended that the fifth round of Geneva talks took place concurrent with attacks on Jouber and Hamah and the Riyadh-based opponents have had only one demand which was to take over government. When their efforts were defeated, they started lying about Damascus use of chemical weapons in Khan Shaykun.

'Al-Nusra Front and ISIS (IS) and other organizations continue to store chemical weapons in urban and residential areas,' Muallem added.

'I stress to you once again: Syrian Army has not, did not and will not use this kind of weapons--not just against our own people, but even against the terrorists that attack our civilians with their mortar rounds,' he said.
Damascus will never change its stance regarding keeping up fighting terrorism and get access to diplomatic solution accepted by the country's nation, he said, noting that Syria is determined to take part in Astana talks.

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