UNSC to Vote Wednesday on Chemical Weapons Draft Resolution

Russia has vowed to veto a draft U.N. resolution calling for sanctions against Syria over its alleged use of chemical weapons on civilians.

New York, 15 Rajab 1438/12 April 2017 (MINA) — The US confirmed that UN Security Council was expected to vote Wednesday on the Syria chemical weapons resolution drafted by the US, the UK, and France regarding the incident in Khan Sheikhoun.

The US mission to the UN, leading the Security Council this month, confirmed to reporters that the draft resolution “is now in blue.”

The US, the UK, and France revised the resolution that was presented last week, expressing outrage that individuals continue to be killed and injured by chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic.

The resolution also expressed its determination that those responsible must be held accountable.

Russia considered the first draft to be prepared in “a hasty way and not thoroughly,” urging the members to replace it with a “desirable one.”

The three powers behind the resolution fully support the OPCW Fact Finding Mission, demanding that all parties provide delay-free and safe access to any sites deemed relevant.

The UNSC will also hold an open session on the political situation in Syria, with Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura to brief, providing his monthly update on efforts to foster a political process to end the conflict. (T/RS5/RS11)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)