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Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charles Flanagan T.D., on alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria

I have read with horror the reports of the chemical weapons attack in Khan Sheikhun in Syria.

I condemn unreservedly the attack and those responsible.

This attack was simply barbaric and my thoughts are with those affected by this horrendous crime.

Those responsible for this appalling act and for all the war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria must be held accountable.

In December, Ireland and a likeminded group of countries successfully pressed for the adoption of a resolution calling for strong UN action in Syria by an overwhelming majority of UN Member States. This was supported by 122 States.

In a war littered with dark episodes, this attack brings to mind one of the darkest, the horror of the chemical attack in Ghouta in 2013.