OPCW-UN report on Syria contains numerous discrepancies, unsubstantiated evidence, flaws - Ryabkov
MOSCOW. Oct 27 (Interfax) - Russia has begun to analyze the report of the OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) on the chemical weapons incident in Syria's Khan Sheikhun, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Interfax on Friday.
"In contrast to our opponents, who are dreaming of using the content of this report as a tool for the achievement of their geopolitical strategic objectives in Syria, we are studying the content of this document in a calm and professional manner. We have already begun this analysis, and we will give our assessment in the near future," Ryabkov said.
"Even a quick look shows that [the report] is full of discrepancies, logical incongruities, doubtful testimonies, and unsubstantiated evidence, which Russia has mentioned dozens of times off the record and behind the scenes in recent months. All of this is still here," Ryabkov said.
"The report has obvious flaws, so after we present a more detailed opinion on this text in the near future, we will put forward certain ideas and proposals as to how this work can be normalized and protected against time-serving and speculative factors, how to prevent this lying, conniving policy of some of our opponents, which aims at achieving completely different objectives, from impacting the normal and professional search for the truth," he said.
"We'll see how well we can do that, but we will be working tirelessly and will make relevant proposals in the near future," Ryabkov said.