Syrian calls for probe of WMD attacks against government forces

Syria’s UN ambassador is demanding that United Nations experts investigate three alleged chemical weapons attacks against Syrian soldiers.

Ambassador Bashar Ja’afari says the attacks occurred on August 22, 24 and 25 in three suburbs of the Syrian capital and dozens of soldiers are being treated for inhaling nerve gas.

Mr Ja’afari says he sent a letter to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon asking that chemical weapons experts now in Damascus investigate the incidents. The UN team is investigating an alleged chemical weapons attack that reportedly killed 355 people, which the US and its allies have blamed on the Syrian regime.

Mr Ja’afari spoke to reporters near a room where the five permanent Security Council members discussed a British-proposed resolution to authorise the use of military force against Syria.