MFA Spokesman's Comments in response to media queries on the report by the United Nations Mission to investigate allegations of the use of chemical weapons in the Ghouta area of Damascus on 21 August 2013

In response to media queries on the report by the United Nations Mission to investigate allegations of the use of chemical weapons in the Ghouta area of Damascus on 21 August 2013, the MFA Spokesman said :

“Singapore has carefully studied the report by the United Nations Mission to investigate allegations of the use of chemical weapons in the Ghouta area of Damascus on 21 August 2013. Singapore strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons which is a deplorable act and violation of international law. The perpetrators must be held accountable. In this regard, we welcome the recent Framework for Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons agreement between the US and Russia and call on Syria, which has on 14 September 2013 acceded to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction, to work urgently with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and relevant United Nations agencies to implement all of its disarmament obligations.

The United Nations has an important role to play, including its objective role in investigating this case and bringing the perpetrators of the chemical weapons attacks to justice. It is however equally important to find a political solution to end the longstanding conflict in Syria. In this regard, we hope that the framework agreement between the US and Russia will pave the way to resolve the conflict peacefully for the sake of all Syrians and regional stability.”

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
17 SEPTEMBER 2013