EU calls for prevention of Syria regime from using chemical weapons

BRUSSELS, Nov 8 (KUNA) -- The EU called upon all countries to use their influence to prevent any further use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime after the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) presented its seventh report yesterday which concludes that Syria was responsible for the release of sarin at Khan Sheikhoun, Syria, on 4 April 2017.
"The EU expresses its strongest condemnation of these unspeakable acts. The Syrian regime's appalling use of sarin nerve agent against the people of Khan Sheikhoun resulted in hundreds of casualties," said EU High Representative Federica Mogherini in a Declaration on behalf of the EU member states late Tuesday.
She stressed that "those responsible for such acts must be held accountable. Any entities and individuals guilty of violations of international law, including the use of chemical weapons have to be sanctioned accordingly." Further sanctions are under consideration to ensure that there is no room for impunity, noted the EU foreign policy chief.
The JIM also determined that the so-called Islamic State (IS) was responsible for the use of ? sulphur mustard at Um-Housh on September 15 and 16, 2016.
"The use of chemical weapons by anyone, be it a State or non-State actors, anywhere and under any circumstances is contrary to international law and must be rigorously condemned," added the Declaration. (end) nk.mb