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Sniper attacks convoy with UN chemical weapons experts

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov calls it "attempt to destroy the chance for a peaceful settlement"
Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS
Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

MOSCOW, August 26 (Itar-Tass) - A sniper attack on U.N. chemical weapons experts in the rebel-controlled part of Syria is the last, but not the only one, “attempt to destroy the chance for a peaceful settlement” in that country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

A convoy of six trucks carrying U.N. experts was fired at on the way to East Ghouta, one of Damascus’ suburbs, earlier in the day. The convoy was being accompanied by Syrian security forces. The U.N. inspectors were going to investigate last week’s alleged chemical attack that claimed several hundred human lives.

“I have no doubt that it will be stated that the snipers were shooting from the other side,” he said at a press conference on Monday, August 26.

Another attempt to derail the peace process in the country was the resignation in March of Sheikh Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib as head of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces (NCSROF), following his call for dialogue with official Damascus without reconditions.

“He was removed and new NCSROF leaders were appointed, who did not allow such spinelessness,” Lavrov said.