PARIS, August 22 (Itar-Tass) - By authorizing use of chemical weapons on the first day the work of U.N. experts the Syrian authorities “would commit suicide,” a representative of Syrian special services told AFP News Agency in Damascus on Thursday.

“Several specialists say that under current circumstances, use of chemical weapons is beyond Syria’s interests when the expert commission is on the country’s territory,” the official said, adding, “The opposition is trying to prevent work of experts and upset our plans.”

“The Syrian army continues to move forward to put an end to terrorism in the country. We have no need to use chemical weapons. By telling lies the opposition is trying to play down the success of government troops,” the official said.