Fact-finding team heads to Syria to probe toxic chemical use; Syria, activists allege attacks

UNITED NATIONS – A fact-finding team with the global chemical weapons watchdog is going to Syria to look into recent allegations of attacks using toxic chemicals.

The latest monthly report of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons says it received a letter from the Syrian government May 21 with the permission needed for the team to go to Damascus.

The team will look into allegations reported by the Syrian government as well as separate allegations by activists and doctors who say chlorine has been repeatedly used against civilians in recent weeks.

The Security Council continues to discuss a United States-proposed mechanism to assign blame for such attacks, a necessary step toward holding anyone accountable.