1. The Government of the Republic of Korea expresses deep concern over reports that chemical weapons were used in areas near Damascus, Syria on August 21.

2. The ROK government supports the UN Secretary-General’s statement, which reaffirms his determination to investigate the situation thoroughly, and emphasizes that any use of chemical weapons under any circumstances violates international humanitarian law.

3. The ROK government also urges all parties concerned to provide full cooperation so that the UN mission to investigate allegations of chemical weapons use in Syria, which is currently conducting an investigation in the country, can have unfettered access to all sites of alleged chemical weapons use in Syria.      /END/