UN names head of Syria chemical arms inquiry

UN Secretary General named a Swedish scientist to head a UN fact-finding mission to investigate the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria.

United Nations: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday named a Swedish scientist to head a UN fact-finding mission to investigate the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria. The announcement to name Professor Ake Sellstrom of Sweden as the head the inquiry comes after the Assad regime of Syria alleged that the chemical weapons have been used by the opposition forces in the country. Simultaneously Britain and France in separate letters to Ban alleged that chemical weapons have been used by the Syrian forces.

Sellstrom is currently a Project Manager at a research institute in Sweden. The institute is called the "European Center for Advanced Studies of Societal Security and Vulnerability, in particular major incidents with Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive Substances (CBRNE)". "He is an accomplished scientist with a solid background in disarmament and international security," a UN statement said. Sellstrom has taught at universities in the US and served as Director at the Swedish Defense and Security Research Institute (FOI). Sellstrom had previously served as Chief Inspector with UNSCOM (United Nations Special Commission) and as Senior Adviser to the Chairmen of UNSCOM and UNMOVIC (United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission) for the disarmament of Iraq. PTI