Russia asks UN to consider its inquiry of Syria chemical arms use

Moscow on Monday expressed the hope that UN experts could consider the conclusions of a Russian investigations into the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria. "We expect the group of UN experts will take into account the conclusions of their Russian colleagues regarding the incident in Khan al-Asal described in the materials submitted by the Russian delegation to the UN Secretary General on July 9," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It also welcomed the "constructive nature of the interactions" between the UN experts and the Syrian authorities "despite some unfortunate delay." UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Angela Kane met with Syrian government officials on July 24-25 in Damascus. "Understandings were reached which open the road to a thorough and objective investigation of the use of chemical weapons by opposition forces in Khan al-Asal on March 19, which was reported by the Syrian authorities, and also other claims received by the UN Secretary General," the Russian foreign ministry said.