UNSC to meet Wednesday on Syria chemical weapons attack

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold Wednesday an urgent meeting at 15.00 pm with local time to discuss a chemical weapon attack which the Syrian opposition have blamed on regime forces.       Speaking in a press conference, spokesperson of UNSC Eduardo del Buey stated the Secretary General Ban Ki Moon was shocked to hear the reports of the alleged use on Wednesday of chemical weapons in the suburbs of Damascus. He said that Ban reiterated that any use of chemical weapons by any side under any circumstances would violate international humanitarian law. Buey said that Professor Ake Sellstrom -- leader of a UN investigation team tasked with probing earlier allegations of chemical weapons use in Syria -- and his colleagues were currently in Syria to investigate the alleged use of chemical weapons reported by the Syrian government at Khan al-Assal as well as two other allegations of the use of chemical weapons reported by Security Council member states. "The United Nations mission to investigate allegations of chemical weapons use in Syria is following the current situation in Syria carefully, and remains fully engaged in the investigation process that is mandated by the Secretary General. Professor Sellstrom is in discussions with the Syrian Government on all issues pertaining to the alleged use of chemical weapons, including this most recent reported incident," Buey stated. Saying Ban was aware that a number of member states, the Arab League and the European Union have expressed grave concern about the most recent reports of the possible use of chemical weapons in Syria, Buey said Ban reaffirmed his determination to ensure a thorough investigation of the reported alleged incidents. France, Britain, South Korea, Luxembourg and US had jointly called Wednesday the United Nations Security Council to hold an immediate meeting following reports of chemical weapon use in Syrian capital Damascus. Russia and China have vetoed draft resolutions in the Security Council prepared to condemn attacks conducted by forces loyal to the Syrian regime.