UN extends Syria chemical weapons investigation

By Associated Press 23 September 2016, 12:00AM

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council has extended the mandate of the investigative body charged with identifying those responsible for chemical weapon attacks in Syria.

The short-term extension, from Sept. 30 until Oct.31, will allow the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism, to complete its fourth report, the U.N. said in statement Thursday.

In September 2013, Syria accepted a Russian proposal to relinquish its chemical weapons. That averted a U.S. military strike in response to an alleged chemical weapons attack that killed hundreds in the Damascus suburb.

Russia has blocked council action against President Bashar Assad's government — but Moscow did support the establishment of the Mechanism, charged with determining who was responsible for the attacks and paving the way for possible punishment.

By Associated Press 23 September 2016, 12:00AM

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