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Chemical weapons were likely used in five out of seven attacks investigated by UN experts in Syria, where a 2.5-year civil war has killed over 100,000 people, according to a UN report. Experts investigated seven instances of alleged use and found that chemical weapons were either used, or likely used, in five of those instances. The Voice of Russia asked Farhan Haq, Associate Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General to comment on it.

- The UN has released a report confirming that chemical weapons were likely used at 5 out of 7 sites in Syria. How do you assess the report?

- The Secretary-General notes with deep concern that the team collected evidence and information substantiating several reports that chemical weapons were used on numerous other occasions at multiple sites against both civilians and military targets.

The Secretary-General deplores in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons in Syria as an offense against the universal values of humankind. The international community has a moral and political responsibility to hold accountable those responsible and for ensuring that chemical weapons can never re-emerge as an instrument of warfare.

- How did UN inspectors carry out the investigation?

During its investigation, the Mission adhered to the most stringent protocols and the guidelines approved by the General Assembly. Its analytical results and factual findings are based solely on the information obtained by the Mission.This high standard required the Mission to ensure or independently verify the chain of custody for all samples it collected. All samples were analyzed in laboratories designated by the OPCW.

In cases where the Mission obtained clear evidence of the use of chemical weapons, its findings were based on its interviews with survivors, medical personnel and other first responders, as well as its analysis of the medical records of the victims. These multiple streams of evidence confirmed symptoms consistent with poisoning by an organophosphorous compound.

For some incidents, the Mission also analyzed blood samples, including those it collected and others it was able to authenticate using DNA analysis. For two incidents, the analysis tested positive for signs of Sarin.

- The study has not determined whether the government or rebels had used chemical weapons. Is there a way to determine that?

This was not part of the mandate of the mission.

- The report claims that nerve agent sarin was used on several occasions. Were some other types of chemical weapons used as well?

Please look at the report and its appendices, which have precise data about the team's findings.