Ban Ki-moon favors investigation into chlorine use in Syria

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon intends to discuss the situation in Syria with the foreign ministers of the Security Council permanent members and ensure that a group is set up to investigate the suspected use of chlorine as a chemical weapon in this country, Interfax reported.

Speaking in a televised interview with Sergei Brilyov, the host of the Saturday analytical program on Russian television, Ban said his meeting with the foreign ministers of the Security Council permanent members is planned on the sidelines of the upcoming General Assembly session, during which he intends to raise this problem.

Ban said he expected the Security Council permanent members to approve the proposal on setting up another group to investigate the use of chlorine in Syria.

Speaking about Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's future, Ban said the decision rests with the Syrians themselves.

Decisions on all political and organizational issues must be made in line with the freely expressed people's will, he said.

Ban also said it is important for Russia and the U.S. to continue dialogue, particularly that concerning the problem of Syria. Nothing is impossible when the leaders of the two countries sit at the negotiating table, he said.
Source: MENA