22 Aug 2013 15:36

Ukraine demands unbiased inquiry into alleged Syria chemical attack

KYIV. Aug 22 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said it is troubled by news reports saying that a large number of civilians, including children, were killed or injured after rockets allegedly containing toxic agents were launched into suburbs of Damascus on August 21.

"We demand that an all-out, impartial investigation be conducted into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy," the ministry's Information Policy Department said in a statement on Thursday.

Media reports alleging the use of chemical weapons in the suburbs of Damascus appeared earlier this week. Pro-opposition forces and the Syrian government have accused each other of firing rockets with toxic agents.