UN chemical weapons team returns empty handed

A UN delegation given the task of investigating allegations on the use of chemical weapons in Syria could not enter Syria on Friday and had to return to New York. The UN delegation, led by Swedish Professor Ake Sellstrom, was sent to Syria by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Speaking to Turkish press by phone, Sellstrom said that they could not enter Syria and were returning to New York. "We will be in New York next week. Talks continue at the highest level in order to investigate allegations on the use of chemical weapons in Syria," Sellstrom emphasized. Syrian regime in March had argued that the Syrian opposition used chemical weapons and asked the UN Secretariat General to investigate the claims.

Following the Syrian regime's claim, the Syrian opposition argued that the Syrian regime used chemical weapons in two separate regions.

Britain and France carried the issue to the UN.

Upon demands, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon gave the task of investigating allegations on the use of chemical weapons to a UN delegation led by Swedish Professor Sellstrom.

Having completed technical preparations, the UN delegation waited in the Greek Cypriot administration for permission to enter Syria.

In a statement made on Thursday, US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said that the Syrian administration did use chemical weapons during the two year-long clashes.

The Foreign Office of Britain also said that there was credible information pointing out to the use of chemical weapons in Syria.