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Conflict in Syria

Russia expects impartial report on situation in Syria’s Douma from OPCW

Russia is providing maximum assistance to the group of OPCW experts, which arrived in Douma on April 21, the Russian Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman said

© EPA-EFE/KOEN VAN WEEL

MOSCOW, April 26. /TASS/. Russia expects inspectors from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to present an impartial report on the situation in the Syrian city of Douma, where chemical weapons were allegedly used on April 7, in the near future, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters on Thursday.

"A group of OPCW experts, which arrived in Douma on April 21, continues its work. They visited the site of the alleged chemical attack twice. For its part, Russia is providing maximum assistance, primarily, in ensuring security. Russia expects an impartial investigation into the circumstances of the incident and an early report from the OPCW inspectors," she said.

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A number of non-governmental organizations, including the White Helmets, earlier alleged chemical weapons had been used in Douma on April 7. The Russian Foreign Ministry dismissed these reports as fake news. Moreover, the Russian Defense Ministry pointed out that the White Helmets are notorious for spreading falsified information.

On April 9, officers from the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria visited Douma but found no trace of chemical weapons there. On April 10, it was decided to send OPCW experts to verify these reports.

On April 14, the United States, Britain and France dealt a massive strike on Syria without approval from the UN Security Council. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, among the targets were a research center in Damascus, the headquarters of the republican guard, an air defense base, several military airdromes and munitions warehouses. Washington, London and Paris said the strikes were in retaliation for an alleged use of chemical weapons in Douma.

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Syrian conflict Maria Zakharova

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