UN chief Ban Ki-moon

‘Syria gas attack would be crime against humanity’

The use of chemical weapons in Syria would constitute a “crime against humanity”, UN chief Ban Ki-moon said yesterday, adding there was “no time to lose” in probing alleged attacks which the opposition says killed hundreds.
Ban described reports of the incidents near Damascus on Wednesday as “very alarming and shocking” and urged the regime to allow a United Nations inspection team, already on the ground in Syria, to begin an investigation without delay.
Meanwhile, UN-Arab League envoy to Syria crisis Lakhdar Brahimi yesterday warned the Syria conflict is the biggest current threat to world peace.
Footage distributed by activists, showing unconscious children, people foaming around the mouth and doctors apparently administering oxygen to help them breathe, has triggered revulsion around the world.
“Any use of chemical weapons anywhere, by anybody, under any circumstances, would violate international law,” Ban said. “Such a crime against humanity should result in serious consequences for the perpetrator.
“There is no time to waste,” Ban said, adding that he had instructed his envoy for disarmament affairs, Angela Kane, to travel to Damascus immediately.
“I can think of no good reason why any party — either government or opposition forces — would decline this opportunity to get to the truth of the matter.”
The United States said it has yet to “conclusively determine” chemical weapons were used. President Barack Obama has ordered US spy agencies to urgently probe the claims, aides said.
Damascus denied it unleashed chemical weapons, particularly at a time when the UN was in Syria to inspect three sites where other such attacks allegedly took place.
It would be “political suicide” to go ahead with such an attack, a senior security source said.
Videos posted online by activists have provoked shock and condemnation around the globe. None of the videos could be verified but AFP analysed one of the most striking pictures showing the bodies of children using specialised software. The analysis showed the picture was not manipulated and was taken, as presented, on August 21.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon