The use of chemical weapons in Syria would constitute a “crime against humanity”, UN chief Ban Ki-moon said on Friday, adding there was “no time to lose” in investigating an alleged attack which the Opposition says killed hundreds.
Ban described the incident near Damascus on Wednesday as “very alarming and shocking” and urged the regime to allow a UN inspection team to begin a probe without delay.
Footage distributed by activists showing unconscious children, people foaming around the mouth and doctors apparently administering oxygen to help them breathe has triggered revulsion around the world.
Ban’s comments, at a United Nations event in Seoul, piled more pressure on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after French president Francois Hollande denounced the “likely” use of chemical weapons.
“Any use of chemical weapons anywhere, by anybody, under any circumstances, would violate international law,” Ban said. “Such a crime against humanity should result in serious consequences for the perpetrator.”