Guterres alarmed by use of chemical weapons in Syria

NEW YORK - 22 March 2018: Concerned by the persistent allegations of chemical weapon use in Syria, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the use of chemical weapons, under any circumstances, is unjustifiable and abhorrent.

In a statement by the spokesman for the secretary-general on Wednesday, Guterres added equally unjustifiable is a lack of response to such use, if and when it occurs and impunity cannot prevail with respect to such serious crimes.

He reiterated his call for the Security Council to demonstrate unity and resolve on this matter, added the statement.

These remarks came during Guterres's meeting with the Director General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), expressing his support for its work in investigating allegations of the use of chemical weapons in Syria.