Former UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi acknowledged that Syria terrorist groups
were responsible for the chemical attack in Khan al-Assal in Aleppo.
"From the little I know, it does seem that in Khan al-Assal, in the north, the first time chemical weapons were used, there is a likelihood it was used by the opposition."
In an interview with the German newspaper Der Speigel, Brahimi said that many countries misjudged the Syrian crisis, expecting Assad's rule to crumble.
As a result, they supported the terrorist groups, as what some Arab leaders had done, he added.
Brahimi warned that Syria is descending into a Somalia-style failed state run by warlords.
"The conflict is not going to stay inside Syria," he cautioned.
9/6/14
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[1]
SPIEGEL: What is the true story about the use of chemical weapons in this war?
Brahimi: They have been used, but there are conflicting views about who the culprits were. The UN was specifically requested by the Security Council to merely establish that chemical weapons were used. Not everyone agrees that it was the Syrian government who used these chemical weapons.
SPIEGEL: The West considers it fact that the Syrian government was responsible.
Brahimi: As I said, the UN investigating mission was strictly ordered NOT to try to determinate who the guilty party was. Now, from the little I know, it does seem that in Khan al-Assal, in the north, the first time chemical weapons were used, there is a likelihood that it was used by the opposition. Regarding the use of chemical weapons on Aug. 21, 2013 in the suburbs of Damascus, it is a fact that for the West and perhaps most people in the region, the responsibility lies with the regime. Moscow and Tehran say they are equally certain that the government DID NOT use chemical weapons anywhere. It is a great pity the UN was under strict instructions not to try to point the finger at anyone. More recently, there are again allegations that chemical substances have being used. I hope this time the UN will be asked to do its best to find out who the guilty party is..........http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-former-un-peace-envoy-to-syria-lakhdar-brahimi-a-974036.html
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[2]
SPIEGEL: How about the support for the armed opposition?
Brahimi: The Saudis, the Qataris and the Turks are supporting all kinds of political groups and armed groups. The foreign minister of Saudi Arabia said several times that the Syrian people are defending themselves against a brutal regime and it is legitimate to help them protect themselves.
SPIEGEL: We have been told that the Saudis even refused to meet with you.
Brahimi: That's a fact. I think they didn't like what I was saying about a peaceful and negotiated settlement with concessions from both sides. I am only guessing because I did not hear that from them. The irony is that hired pens for the regime are saying that I am Saudi Arabia's man!.........http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-former-un-peace-envoy-to-syria-lakhdar-brahimi-a-974036.html
7/6/14
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Related:
"From the little I know, it does seem that in Khan al-Assal, in the north, the first time chemical weapons were used, there is a likelihood it was used by the opposition."
In an interview with the German newspaper Der Speigel, Brahimi said that many countries misjudged the Syrian crisis, expecting Assad's rule to crumble.
As a result, they supported the terrorist groups, as what some Arab leaders had done, he added.
Brahimi warned that Syria is descending into a Somalia-style failed state run by warlords.
"The conflict is not going to stay inside Syria," he cautioned.
- The terrorist groups had launched a chemical rocket onto the town of Khan Al-Assal in Aleppo in March 2013.
9/6/14
--
-
[1]
SPIEGEL: What is the true story about the use of chemical weapons in this war?
Brahimi: They have been used, but there are conflicting views about who the culprits were. The UN was specifically requested by the Security Council to merely establish that chemical weapons were used. Not everyone agrees that it was the Syrian government who used these chemical weapons.
SPIEGEL: The West considers it fact that the Syrian government was responsible.
Brahimi: As I said, the UN investigating mission was strictly ordered NOT to try to determinate who the guilty party was. Now, from the little I know, it does seem that in Khan al-Assal, in the north, the first time chemical weapons were used, there is a likelihood that it was used by the opposition. Regarding the use of chemical weapons on Aug. 21, 2013 in the suburbs of Damascus, it is a fact that for the West and perhaps most people in the region, the responsibility lies with the regime. Moscow and Tehran say they are equally certain that the government DID NOT use chemical weapons anywhere. It is a great pity the UN was under strict instructions not to try to point the finger at anyone. More recently, there are again allegations that chemical substances have being used. I hope this time the UN will be asked to do its best to find out who the guilty party is..........http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-former-un-peace-envoy-to-syria-lakhdar-brahimi-a-974036.html
--------------------------
[2]
SPIEGEL: How about the support for the armed opposition?
Brahimi: The Saudis, the Qataris and the Turks are supporting all kinds of political groups and armed groups. The foreign minister of Saudi Arabia said several times that the Syrian people are defending themselves against a brutal regime and it is legitimate to help them protect themselves.
SPIEGEL: We have been told that the Saudis even refused to meet with you.
Brahimi: That's a fact. I think they didn't like what I was saying about a peaceful and negotiated settlement with concessions from both sides. I am only guessing because I did not hear that from them. The irony is that hired pens for the regime are saying that I am Saudi Arabia's man!.........http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-former-un-peace-envoy-to-syria-lakhdar-brahimi-a-974036.html
7/6/14
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Related:
Moscow alarmed by reports on chemical weapons use in Syria. Special responsibility was first of all with neighbouring on Syria countries. -- Sergei Lavrov
Alleged Chlorine Gas Attacks Focus Renewed Attention on Syria
Kerry says has seen "raw data" that suggests Syria used chlorine in gas attacks
France says Syria used chlorine in 14 recent attacks
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Claims Syrian government used chemical arms ‘fabricated’. - Russian Foreign Ministry
Turkey, US dismiss Seymour Hersh report. --White House statement confirmed the Syrian regime was behind the August 21 attack
EU urges 'strong response' to Syria attack. - Ministers point finger for alleged chemical weapons use at Assad's regime, but stop short of endorsing military action. (1+1 VIDEO)
Carla del Pontes Syrien-Besuch verschoben. -Im vergangenen Mai hatte Del Ponte nicht ausgeschlossen, dass chemische Waffen in Syrien von Oppositionellen eingesetzt wurden.
Last of Syria's chemical weapons shipped out...
ReplyDeleteThe last of Syria's declared chemical weapons have been shipped out of the country for destruction, the international watchdog OPCW says.
"The ship has just left the port," the head of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Ahmet Uzumcu, said in The Hague.
An investigation into alleged use of chlorine in Syria's civil war is still ongoing, Mr Uzumcu added.................................http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27974379
23/6/14