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Conflict in Syria

Russian lawmakers to observe OPCW experts’ work in Eastern Ghouta

On April 7, a number of NGOs, including the White Helmets, alleged that chemical weapons were used in Douma, Eastern Ghouta

MOSCOW, April 13. /TASS/. A delegation of Russian parliament members, currently on a visit to Syria, will observe the activities of experts sent by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to the town of Douma, the delegation’s head Dmitry Sablin told Rossiya-1’s 60 Minutes program.

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Putin, Erdogan note importance of ensuring conditions for OPCW inspectors’ work in Syria

"They [OPCW experts] will arrive in Damascus today and tomorrow they will start their work in Douma," said Sablin, who is the coordinator of a parliamentary group for ties with Syrian lawmakers. "If we have a chance, we will try to see how it will go," he added.

The Russian lawmaker was confident that Russian military police would ensure the security of the OPCW experts. "The situation there is rather calm. The situation in Damascus is currently the calmest in the past seven years - no one expects shelling attacks so I believe their security will be guaranteed. There is no need to worry about that," Sablin said.

Alleged chemical weapons attack

Allegations about an April 7 chemical weapons attack in Douma were spread by a number of non-government organizations, including the White Helmets.

The Russian Foreign Ministry slammed those allegations as a bogus story, while Russia’s Defense Ministry pointed out that the White Helmets were not a reliable source of information as they were known for spreading fabricated news.

On April 9, officers from the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the opposing sides in Syria visited Douma but did not find any traces of chemical weapons.

Russian officials many times warned about impending provocations and staged chemical weapons attacks in Syria.

The OPCW has sent experts to the site of the alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma. They are expected to start their work on April 14.

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Foreign policy Syrian conflict

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