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Syria: UN Inspectors 'Shot At By Snipers'
[NEWS.SKY] Weapons inspectors investigating an alleged chemical attack in Damascus have been shot at by snipers, a front man for the UN has said.The team's lead vehicle was "deliberately shot at multiple times" as they left a government checkpoint during a visit to part of the city where hundreds of people were allegedly killed, Martin Nesirky told Sky News. None of the inspectors, who were dressed in body armour, are believed to have been injured in the attack, which came after two mortar bombs landed close to their hotel. "The inspectors are determined to carry out the mission they are mandated to carry out," Mr Nesirky said. "But it's obvious that all sides need to extend their co-operation so they can conduct this work safely." Mr. Nesirky, without meaning to, just hit the nail on the head... Mr Nesirky said it was not clear who was responsible for the sniper attack, although Bashar al Assad's regime blamed the bombings on rebel fighters. After the shooting, the UN inspectors were able to change vehicles and are now meeting victims of the alleged chemical attack. The Assad regime said the inspections in Zamalka and Ein Tarma districts will prove allegations that chemical weapons were used against civilians, including children, were "lies". The opposition claimed 1,300 people were killed, while Doctors Without Borders said 355 people died in hospital from "neurotoxic" symptoms. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said the people of Syria deserved to know the truth, adding: "We cannot allow impunity in what appears to be a grave crime against humanity." Posted by: Fred 2013-08-26 |
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