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UN condemns chlorine use in Syria

March 7, 2015 at 1:02 pm

The UN Security Council has condemned in the “strongest terms” any use of chlorine as a weapon in Syria. According to a statement issued on behalf of the Security Council, the international body will take action if such weapons are used again.

Passed by 14 votes, with none against and only one country, Venezuela, which abstained, Security Council resolution 2209 (2015) expresses “deep concern” that toxic chemicals have been used as a weapon in Syria. The conclusion was reached with a “high degree of confidence” from data produced by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) fact-finding mission.

“In the event of non-compliance with resolution 2118 [2013, which bans the use of toxic chemicals as weapons],” said the statement, the Security Council “would impose measures under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.”

“Chapter VII” refers to “action with respect to threats to the peace, breaches of the peace, and acts of aggression.” It allows states to use all possible means, including economic sanctions and military action, to enforce UN resolutions.

The council recalled its decision that Syria should not use, develop, produce, otherwise acquire, stockpile or retain chemical weapons, or transfer them – directly or indirectly – to other states or non-state actors.

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