Russia Opposes Sanctions Against Syrian Government: Evidence on Chemical Attacks Insufficient

Following the release of a report regarding the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government and the so-called Islamic State, France and Britain called for sanctions against Damascus. Russia opposed this, stating that the evidence provided is not conclusive. A group of UN inspectors presented a report to the Security Council members at the beginning of September, indicating that the Syrian government had used chemical weapons at least twice, and the Islamic State at least once. The use of chemical weapons is against international law, and the Security Council can take action regarding it. The Security Council members were supposed to review this report and discuss the results in a meeting that had taken place. Representatives from Britain and France, in this session on September 9, which was largely held behind closed doors, called for UN sanctions against the Syrian government. Samantha Power, the US representative to the UN, also called for immediate action against those who have used chemical weapons. On the other hand, Vitaly Churkin, the Russian representative, stated that there are 'very serious questions' regarding these investigations; 'serious questions exist, and it is necessary to clarify them before we accept the entire report (of the inspectors).' Britain and France have stated that the use of chemical weapons by the government against civilians is a 'war crime.' Jean-Marc Ayrault, the French Foreign Minister, on September 6, also mentioned that Russia now has the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to peace negotiations and political transition in Syria by supporting a new resolution in the Security Council. Nevertheless, Mr. Churkin stated that 'there is no fingerprint' that can implicate the Syrian government. Previously, experts from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) reported that toxic gases were used during the Syrian civil war, but they did not specifically accuse anyone of using them. The latest investigative report, however, states that in 2014 and 2015, the Syrian government carried out attacks twice (at least once with chlorine gas), and the Islamic State once (using mustard gas). According to this committee, three other cases have also been found that implicate the central Syrian government in the use of chemical weapons, but they are not yet conclusive. The Syrian government has always denied the use of chemical weapons and emphasized in letters sent to the Security Council and the UN Secretary-General in 2012 that 'under no circumstances will it use chemical weapons.' The Syrian representative at the UN has also rejected the findings of the new report, stating that 'physical evidence' has not been provided. Three years ago, during the use of chemical weapons in Ghouta, which left hundreds dead, the US proposed a limited attack on Syria aimed at destroying its chemical arsenal. However, suddenly, with Moscow's proposal and Syria's agreement to eliminate these weapons, the vote on this plan in the US Congress was postponed. After that, the US and Russia agreed to issue a resolution on this matter, which was the first resolution passed regarding the Syrian civil war.