Probe into chemical weapons use in Syria should respect facts and science: Chinese envoy

Investigation by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) into the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria should respect facts and science, said a Chinese envoy on Wednesday.

"The OPCW's investigation and attribution of the alleged use of chemical weapons should be conducted strictly within the framework of the Chemical Weapons Convention, adhere to the principles of independence, impartiality and objectivity, and respect facts and science," said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

"We hope that Security Council members will also reach consensus on these principles as they are the basis for in-depth discussions and mutual trust," he told a council meeting.

Regrettably, during the Security Council's deliberations in the past, some council members have shown little interest in the technical details of the alleged use of chemical weapons, the integrity or conclusiveness of the chain of evidence in the investigation reports. Instead, they were keen to discuss the means and measures of attribution, proceeding from the presumption of guilt, pretty impatient as it seems, said Geng.

Discussions in the Security Council must be based on scientific analysis, substantiated by facts, must not be rushed in the absence of hard evidence, with serious differences among the parties, he said.

Geng noted that Syria has repeatedly expressed its willingness to cooperate with the Technical Secretariat of the OPCW.

China recognizes Syria's constructive attitude and encourages both sides to continue to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue and communication. China also hopes that the Technical Secretariat will work to help bridge differences between the parties, reduce antagonism, and return to the good tradition of consensus decision-making, thereby upholding the authority and effectiveness of the OPCW, he said.

He reiterated China's firm opposition to the use of chemical weapons by any state, organization or individual, under any circumstances, for whatever purposes.

Geng said the OPCW's monthly reports should contain new information and reflect the concerns expressed and questions raised by some council members.