Use of chemical weapons in Syria would be ‘reprehensible’ – UN

July 24, 2012: Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday voiced concern about the possible use of chemical weapons in the Syrian conflict and stressed the need for the international community to keep a close eye on the situation.
“It would be reprehensible if anybody in Syria is contemplating use of such weapons of mass destruction, like chemical weapons,” Mr. Ban told reporters in Belgrade, Serbia, where he is on an official visit.

“I sincerely hope that the international community keeps an eye on this so that… no such things happen,” he stated, while also adding that he was not able to verify that the Middle Eastern country has a “considerable amount” of chemical weapons.

He also noted, with concern, that Syria is not a party to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The OPCW is the implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which aims to aims to eliminate an entire category of weapons of mass destruction by prohibiting the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, transfer or use of chemical weapons by States Parties.

The Syrian Government reportedly said on Monday that it will use its chemical and biological weapons against foreign attack, while adding that it would not use them against its own citizens.

More than 10,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed and tens of thousands displaced since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began some 16 months ago.