| Series Title | EurActiv |
|---|---|
| Series Details | 22.08.13 |
| Publication Date | 22/08/2013 |
| Content Type | News |
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The European Union called for a 'thorough and immediate' investigation into an alleged chemical attack in Syria after rebels said hundreds of people were killed on the 21 August 2013 in a gas attack and shelling by President Bashar al-Assad's forces. The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission issued the following statement on the 23 August 2013: 'I reiterate my strong concerns about the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria and am alarmed by the continued violence in Syria. I fully support the UN's call for a thorough, impartial and prompt investigation into these alleged chemical attacks. The international community must now urgently show a united face and ensure that a credible and thorough investigation can be carried out'. A more robust 'Western' response became more probable on the 26 August 2013 after US Secretary of State John Kerry put President Assad on notice that the US believed he was responsible for using chemical weapons against civilians and called it a 'moral obscenity'. The UK and France also suggested action would need to be taken. EUObserver reported that Germany indicated it would not take part in any military strike on Syria, as France and the UK signalled readiness to join a US-led intervention. |
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| Source Link | http://www.euractiv.com/global-europe/eu-urges-immediate-probe-syria-c-news-529904 |
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| Countries / Regions | Europe, Middle East |
