Chemical watchdog wants to begin Syria probe by Tuesday

The global chemical weapons watchdog will call for inspections of Syria’s chemical arsenal to begin by Tuesday.

Members of a UN investigative team take samples near the site of an alleged chemical weapon attack, in Syria, on August 28, 2013. (photo credit: AP/United Media Office of Arbeen)

The draft decision of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons obtained by The Associated Press also authorizes the body to inspect “any other site identified by a State Party as having been involved in the Syrian chemical weapons program, unless deemed unwarranted by the Director-General.”

That goes beyond usual practice as the organization only inspects sites that have been declared by member states.

The draft, being discussed by the organization’s executive council Friday night, calls for the destruction of all Syria’s chemical weapons and equipment to be completed by “the first half of 2014.”

BY AP

sourche: http://www.timesofisrael.com/chemical-weapon-watchdog-to-discuss-syria-plan/