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UN Security Council to vote on use of chlorine weapons in Syria

The United Nations Security Council will vote on a resolution condemning the use of chlorine as a chemical weapon in Syria and threatens unspecified action if further violations occur, on Friday.

The resolution, reportedly pushed for by the United States "condemns in the strongest terms any use of any toxic chemical, such as chlorine, as a weapon in the Syrian Arab Republic."

However, the resolution itself does not blame any of the warring sides in Syria for the use of chlorine as a weapon during the conflict.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) had earlier reported that chlorine gas had been used "systematically and repeatedly" as a weapon in Syria. Witnesses have reported chlorine gas being fired from helicopters – with only the Syrian government having access to such aircraft.

The United States, Britain and France all accuse the Syrian government of the chemical attacks.

French Ambassador Francois Delattre told reporters "There are clear and abundant evidence that point to the responsibility of Syrian authorities."

The draft resolution warns of future action under Chapter 7 of the United Nations Charter, which could involve sanctions or military force.

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