Russia: Moscow dismisses Assad involvement in chemical attack

Russia: Moscow dismisses Assad involvement in chemical attack

Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Friday dismissing video evidence of an alleged chemical weapons attack by the government on Syrian civilians that took place on Wednesday, as a "staged operation".

Lukashevich said there was mounting evidence that the atrocity was a set-up. "Moscow continues to closely follow the developments related to the alleged gas attack near Damascus. There is mounting evidence that this criminal action was a framed set-up. For instance, it is currently being argued on the Internet that the initial reports of the incident accusing government forces appeared several hours ahead of the alleged attack itself. Therefore, we are apparently dealing with a staged operation that had been planned in advance." he said.

Lukashevich, urged their Syrian ally to cooperate with UN attempts to investigate allegations that chemical weapons were used near Damascus this week by troops loyal to President Bashar Al Assad.

"We are constantly keeping in touch with the Syrian government, encouraging it to cooperate with the UN expert team currently dispatched to Syria, headed by Mr Sellstrom. We consider it important that Damascus should resolve to host the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Ms Kane. We also see a token of positive thinking in the Syrian governments recent agreement to admit Ms Carla del Ponte, a member of the UNs Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria."