Zee Media Bureau
Moscow: Even as rifts between Russia and the West remain over Syria, a top Russian diplomat has said that the resolution on chemical disarmament could mention chapter VII of the UN Chart that stipulates use of force or sanctions, but only if the agreement is violated.
Expressing concern that things were not going “smoothly” between US and Russia over Syria, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in Parliament, “Chapter VII can be mentioned only as an element of the measures against violators... if there is a refusal to cooperate, carry out obligations or if someone, it does not matter who, uses chemical weapons.”
Syria has agreed to abide by a joint US-Russia plan to dismantle chemical weapons by allowing chemical inspectors access to its chemical arsenal. But the West fears Assad may not comply and wants punitive measures included in the UN resolution on Syria that is due to be approved by five permanent members of the UNSC.
While Russia has been objecting to any use of force against Syria.
Russian Dy FM Ryabkov expressed satisfaction that UN chemical weapons experts would be returning to Damascus on September 25 to probe August 21 chemical attacks in Syria’s Ghouta.
With AFP inputs
