Comment by the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Alexander Lukashevich regarding the UN fact-finding mission investigating possible uses of chemical weapons in Syria

The Syrian Government has officially confirmed its consent to accept the UN fact-finding mission to investigate possible uses of chemical weapons in the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, which is expected to go there in the next few days. The formalities of the group's activities were formalised thorough an exchange of letters between Syrian authorities and the UN Secretariat.

In accordance with the attained understandings, UN experts will work in Syria for 14 days. This term may be extended if required and if the parties agree. The mission will visit three places of alleged use of chemical weapons in the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, including the town of Khan al-Asal near Aleppo.

Moscow welcomes the reached agreements in principle regarding the beginning of the work of the international experts in Syria, which, although with a delay, opens up a path to a thorough and objective investigation of possible uses of chemical weapons in the Syrian territory.

16 August 2013