22 Aug 2013 16:28

Moscow says reports on chemical weapons use in Syria must be investigated independently with UN experts

MOSCOW. Aug 22 (Interfax) - Reports on chemical weapons use near Damascus must be investigated independently with the involvement of UN experts, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said at a briefing in Moscow on Thursday.

"Of course, we will rely on an independent investigation, with the involvement of UN experts, who are in Syria," Lukashevich said.

"It is necessary to at least stop hostile actions for such a maneuver, at least during the investigation," Lukashevich said.

"No one has confirmation of the information on chemical weapons use," the diplomat said. This information initially emerged in mass media, he said.