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LAST UPDATE | 27 Jan 2023
AN INVESTIGATION BY the global chemical weapons watchdog has established there are “reasonable grounds to believe” Syria’s air force dropped two cylinders containing chlorine gas on the city of Douma in April 2018, killing 43 people.
A report published today by a team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) offered the latest confirmation that the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad used chemical weapons during his country’s grinding civil war.
“The use of chemical weapons in Douma – and anywhere – is unacceptable and a breach of international law,” OPCW director-general Fernando Arias said.
The organisation said that “reasonable grounds to believe” is the standard of proof consistently adopted by international fact-finding bodies and commissions of inquiry.
Syria, which joined the OPCW in 2013 under pressure from the international community after being blamed for another deadly chemical weapon attack, does not recognise the investigation team’s authority and has repeatedly denied using chemical weapons.
Despite the latest findings, bringing perpetrators in Syria to justice remains a long way off.
Syria’s ally Russia has in the past blocked efforts by the UN Security Council to order an International Criminal Court investigation in Syria.
“The world now knows the facts – it is up to the international community to take action, at the OPCW and beyond,” Arias, a veteran Spanish diplomat, said.
The report said there are “reasonable grounds to believe” that during a government military offensive to recapture Douma, at least one Syrian air force Mi8/17 helicopter dropped two yellow cylinders on the city.
One of the cylinders hit the roof of a three-storey residential building and ruptured, “rapidly released toxic gas, chlorine, in very high concentrations, which rapidly dispersed within the building killing 43 named individuals and affecting dozens more”, according to the report.
A second cylinder burst through the roof of another building into an apartment below and only partially ruptured, “mildly affecting those who first arrived at the scene”, the report added.
Syrian authorities refused the investigation team access to the sites of the chlorine attacks.
The country had its OPCW voting rights suspended in 2021 as punishment for the repeated use of toxic gas, the first such sanction imposed on a member nation.
The painstaking investigation by the organisation’s team was set up to identify perpetrators of chemical weapon attacks in Syria, built on earlier findings by an OPCW fact-finding mission that chlorine was used as a weapon in Douma.
The investigators also interviewed dozens of witnesses and studied the blood and urine of survivors as well as samples of soil and building materials, according to the watchdog agency.
They also carefully assessed and rejected alternative theories for what happened, including Syria’s claim that the attack was staged and that bodies of people killed elsewhere in Syria were taken to Douma to look like victims of a gas attack.
The report found that the two cylinders carrying chlorine were modified and filled at the Dumayr air base and the helicopter or helicopters that dropped them were under control of the Syrian military’s elite Tiger Force.
The OPCW team “considered a range of possible scenarios and tested their validity against the evidence they gathered and analysed to reach their conclusion: that the Syrian Arab Air Forces are the perpetrators of this attack”, the organisation said in a statement.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin welcomed the report.
He called on “Syria to cooperate fully and immediately with the OPCW, to provide real assurance to the international community that all of its chemical weapons stocks are declared and verifiably destroyed”.
Martin added: “Chemical weapons have no place in our world, and Ireland has been unequivocal that there can be no impunity for those who use them.
“It is incumbent upon the Syrian government to live up to its international legal obligations. I fully support the IIT’s findings and the vital role played by the OPCW in the global prohibition of chemical weapons.”
The conflict that started in Syria more than a decade ago has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced half the country’s pre-war population of 23 million.
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I hate the catholic church. Not individual priests, not individual practitioners, but as an organisation I hate the catholic church.
Him and Darth Vader blew up Alderaan! #neverforget
Well you should be excluded from any debate if you hate the church so much. Not exactly balanced are you ?
You don’t seem to be on the fence there yourself Anthony.
You have every right to hate it. All the Churches of the world are Churches of the Anti-Christ. The Anti-Christ is the apostle Paul.
`A last minute guide to the Bible` http://www.lastminutebibleguide.capnix.com
`A last minute guide to the Bible`
http://www.scribt.com
The pope should not be commenting about anything to do with sex, what does he know!
You’d be surprised…
I believe he was discussing the consequences of sex and not sex itself, your right he should know nothing about sex( celibate), but can see the consequences just like the rest of us.
He is entitled to voice his opinion as leader of a diminishing and increasingly , unimportant, outdated church
@ Shay he has no right to comment after what his church has done to this country in terms of pain and suffering caused.
John you didn’t, did ya
I did anything, consequences included.
I did say anything, consequences included.
DB then neither has government or anybody else with authority in Ireland’s history
What a load of balls DB. The church has provided schools and health and welfare to the irish people on a shoestring when the state couldn’t be arsed spending real money on them. Stop the bigotry
And also stopped the mother and child act which would’ve been the most progressive piece of legislation in comparison to the times that the CPU try has ever seen. Since you used the Bigot word first, then there is their stern opposition to homosexuality, single mothers, birth control, equality for the sexes etc. They also covered up and most likely still do reports of child abuse. Also a hypocrite with his vow of poverty in a gilded houses shouldn’t actually be throwing stones.
Are you not aware that when the British tried to introduce a state school system in Ireland that the Catholic Church refused to let Catholic Children be educated outside of a Catholic school?
The reason we have religious schools and hospitals is because of the threats made by the church to anyone who tries to change it.
The same church that refused to allow contraception in the state , but were happy for little “Bastards” to be locked up and used as slave labour in their industrial schools/Laundrettes.
That would exclude a lot of people!
Irrelevant virgin makes statement on matters none of his business.
Virgin. Lol
So an adult woman is equal in status to a foetus, in the eyes of The Church?
No, in the eyes of all churches, a women is worth nothing. A feotus has the chance of being male.
No way. A fetus, if finally becomes a man, will be able to have relevant roles in Christian Church. A woman won’t ever. So in that sense I think they consider the fetus quite more important…
Michelle, yes equal in status to a foetus, but what does the church think of women?
By all accounts women are second class citizens, not allowed to become priests, not allowed partake in most activities in the church, etc.
The church pays lip service to women.
Michelle – both the adult woman and the unborn child are both treated as persons. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) says: “The inalienable right to life of every innocent human individual is a constitutive element of a civil society and its legislation” (CCC, 2273).
No Michelle, a woman is little more than a baby making machine on a production line, if your not making babies you should be seen only in the kitchen, preferably washing dishes, hanging out clothes and for Gods sake whatever you do, refrain from thinking for yourself.
We have religious leaders to do that for you. So please refrain in your attempt to be recognized as an individual in your own right. It’s Gods plan apparently that you reside in the home and venture out only for Mass.
If only it were true
Not much understanding of the true situation for Catholic women! The Church is slated for defending life; if they spoke out for good treatment for piglets or puppies or against fox hunting, they’d be praised from a height, but, unfortunately, saving the whale is seen as more laudable than saving the human baby.
Pretty sure that he is directing that at Ireland alright. Don’t think there are any other European countries of a christian heritage in the throws of a raging debate on abortion. He could be lumping the Phillipines (well outside Europe for sure) in with us as they have just introduced new contraception laws there.
I wonder does he still think he can dictate to us and we’ll actually do as we are told by him?
Unfortunately Spain is talking about changing law of abortion (to restrict it) since the arrival of Rajoy’s conservative party to the government.
Es así Albert, los tontos de culo de los conservadores!!! another smoke screen to divert the attention that the state is failing in every aspect. Abortion stirs up a lot of passion and debate. Great to get people’s attention of the real issues.
Conor, I listen to what the pope says. And I follow what he says and accept it for my life and the lives of my children. The teachings of the Catholic Church sustain family life. Including no sex outside marriage, no contraception, no abortion, no divorce, no homosexual acts. Show me something better and I’ll follow that. But when I look around and see the suffering people bring on themselves then I will gladly follow the Pope and the teachings of the Church. They lead to a happy life.
Good for you bpdeasy. It is your choice to follow his direction based on your religion and your morals. But for those of us who want nothing from the roman catholic church they should not procrastinate, dictate or pressurise our civil society to follow their opinions and views. Nor should they interfere with our civil legislation be it abortion, contraception or same sex marriage.
Oh and instead of just following roman catholic dogma sculpted to enpower the magesterium, you might like to read and follow the actual teachings of Christ and be an actual Christian. A much better way which you asked for!
A lot of people seem to oppose freedom of speech!
Poor man, while other people retire at 65, he’s still forced to work until the day he dies.
No wonder he keeps on spewing crap.
When he dies, is he fired or promoted?
We catholics cannibalize. Never went in for the body and blood of Christ thing myself, but in any case he’ll probably be tossed in some secret herbs and spices and made into wafers.
“gravely contrary to the moral law”, but kiddy fiddling is alright though.
Abortion on demand in the first 90 days has been available in Italy since 1978. We, as a nation, are introducing legislation pertaining to the narrowest of situations where the mothers life is at risk. Why is the Pope not concerning himself with matters closer to home? The answer is that Italy has moved on and we should to. Using the Catholic Church as a moral compass is like navigating with 2000 year old sea charts.
Get back in your box popey
Given the Vatican’s long-standing and absolute disrespect for women, is it any surprise that he should make these remarks?
He says that the proposal of any law which decriminalised abortion, describing such moves as “gravely contrary to the moral law”.
I am wondering if “the moral law”, as he describes it, is anything like “the canon law”?
I don’t think we need any reminding of where “canon law” got us, do we?
Off topic a bit but the pope is a hypocrite. He always on about protecting the vulnerable but at the same time he lives in a plush palace and his company the Catholic Church owns some of the most valuable real estate there is. Reminds me of Charles Haughey a bit.
Do you think the Pope actually owns the Vatican?.He has little personal wealth.
It amazes me that anyone cares what the pope says, or that the pro- choice groupings seem to believe he can sway – the decision of the people, history is just that history, we have moved on for better or worse, and left the bulk of the popes views behind
The church still has power for some unknown reason. Crazy stuff.
Is going to spend his wealth on caring for the children?
Hi Joni,
One example of the care that the Church gives to people:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/williampbarrett/2012/11/08/the-largest-u-s-charities-for-2012/
“Catholic Charities USA” is the third largest charity in the US.
How can that man use the words moral law and keep a straight face?
Funny how he’s worried about “the balance between the right to life of the mother and that of the unborn child, a right belonging equally to both”, yet in practice what they really want is the foetus’s rights to trump that of the woman’s.
Totally untrue! No woman should ever be refused life-saving treatment.
I saw a poll introduced lately done nationwide and pro life hammered pro choice and there was also some pro choice vigil somewhere attended by a huge crowd, majority been women
Pro life vigil sorry
Now there’s a useless bit of information…
Proof or you’re spouting sh**e.
Was it in The Catholic Times or Alive! ?
It’s simple, no? Women should have control over their own bodies, end of.
Of course he is against it, nothing new there. All the people always posting negative stuff about the church should really put there money where their mouth is and cancel their connection to the church ( you have to write a letter i think ) no point celebrating some aspects ( xmas, communions ) and then bashing others. Personlly i think this effects women since they live under whatever circumstances that got them pregnant. If its just a stupid drunk night then why should they allowed abortion for stupidity?? Atleast let someone that cant pro-create adopt the child.
Yep if you cant do the time dont do the crime (in regards to unwanted pregnancies)
To true :), i always think of a friend who is so happy his mother chose adoption ( ofc he would for obvious reasons lol )
Robert, sex isn’t a crime, at lest not how I role, and when it’s over for me it’s over, for a woman this may be different, so all options should be over to her, including living with the consequence if that’s her choice
Karl xmas was hijacked by christians. It was a pagan tradition long before christians got their hands on it. Also you cant just leave the church like you say. You could before but the cc removed that service because of changes in canon law. All that other rubbish about adoptions & one nights stands requires you to do some serious research. This subject is too complicated for simple catholics.
Think you should wear protection then if thats how you roll. Same for women. If it should be simple enough to get an abortion in this country then getting a rubber shouldn’t be too hard, no? :)
Do you have a link at all for the changes ? Would like to see it, while i agree it would be very difficult to manage circumstances. Just people already have lots of choices, morning after pill, coil, condoms, injections. Why are these not working for people? Would love to hear from women about this
Karl, I’m pretty sure Christmas was invented to replace a Pagan festival! The guy who is his own father supposedly wasn’t born for another few months! It’s pretty crazy that supposed devoted followers don’t celebrate their Gods birthday on the correct date!
Very true, couldnt do that for the kids now though :) check out century of the self on youtube, its good :)
Karl Good point about existing options,
Contaception fails, as everyone knows. If your back up plan is abortion, maybe you should wonder if a baby’s death is a very high price for a bit of sexual pleasure.
Marie, morning after pill,
Of course they’re against abortion. They need us all to keep them in power and keep money rolling into their bank accounts. We may not go to mass but we are hypocritical as we all attend weddings confirmations baptisms ect nice little earners
What right does this relic have to speak on moral issues after ignoring 1 of the ten key rules of his “church” though shalt not kill by blessing the prime minister of uganda who is pushing through a law that makes it completely legal to murder people suspected of being gay
@Karl Cut ties with the church by writing a letter?? Not any more. There were so many people using an site that assisted in this that they retrospectively changed the rules. Now I and a huge amount of others can be counted as one of their number though the ludicrous cult itself sickens us. Google Count Me Out for more info on how once they have ye they’ll never let you go
Just a small clarification on that; the rule (or ‘law’ as they amusingly call it) on officially leaving the church was changed in the Vatican not just in Ireland and not because of the excellent countmeout . ie site.
It was because people were leaving by the tens of thousands in countries where there is a direct church tax taken from members of a religion and given to that institution, like on Germany. Now, once baptised they won’t let you out in any official way. The rule on “formal defection” was only in for a couple of years before they took that choice away from the post faithful.
There is still a way apparently. You have to write to the bishop of the diocese of your birth and demand to have your baptism roll rescinded. They then send you a letter telling you to reconsider / eternal damnation etc. You then have to write again and they do the same. On the third time you have to go to the Bishops palace with your baptismal cert and demand to be removed from the records at the church where you were baptised. At that point they are supposed to contact that churchs sacristan and inform them that you will present yourself at the church to witness your removal from the records. They just cross the name out. Then take your baptismal cert and burn it.
A mate of mine did it in Ferns two years ago after the count me out website was closed. Its doable just incredibly difficult :(
When is this idiots birthday? Perhaps Ireland could have a whip around and get him an Xbox, that might shut him up for a while
Where abortion is available it is rarely used for medical emergencies. Using a rare tragedy as a pro abortion rallying opportunity is insensitive.
Liberal left have held up humane solutions to medical emergencies during pregnancy by demanding British style abortion in Ireland
It’s obvious guys said it before ill say it again abortion should be introduced under certain circumstances
Specifically in circumstances where the woman is pregnant, not just any.
This institution is fuelled by human credulity and is a prime example of why we all need to learn critical thinking skills. There is no such thing as private beliefs among adults in a democracy as these get acted on in the ballot box and produce the type of leadership Ireland and other Roman Catholic countries have produced. Rarely an example of a vibrant democracy or political class as kids are brainwashed into unquestioned belief in belief and unjustified authority.
Son let’s just stick to mice “neutral” beliefs where it’s ok to attack anyone with religious beliefs! Great idea!
Who cares what the pope said? They should just concentrate on the making more money and laundering all the cash in the Vatican.
Bring back John Paul II at least he was likeable
Good idea Robert, sure if that jesus lad can be a zombie, why not john paul 2 as well?
Class. In the impending zombie apocalypse (that my son says is defintely coming), ill be on the lookout for Jesus. Axe to the head? Just for having to listen to all the a******s that took these notions based on his bollocks.
Ah good ol’ St JPII, Patron Saint and Protector of Paedophiles. Without him (and his henchman, Ratzinger), priest might have been brought to justice.
Here here, I miss JPII
Is this pic above Pope Daniel Day Lewis ?
I can’t believe so much attention is being paid to this dinosaur pontiff and the pronouncements of the catholic church in general. This grossly powerful and wealthy institution deserves to be ignored and even told to ‘shut up’!!!
What facts do u want Peter? About the poll and vigil? It was about a month ago I don’t have facts but I have no reason to lie either! Under no circumstances will abortion be legalised “fully” here, it will in time “under certain circumstances”
Who conducted the poll? What was the sample?Where was it published? Otherwise just posting some numbers is unhelpful and frankly pointless.
The Pope is correct end of.
For his own followers yes, not for the rest of us
Why?
….. end of all rational thought!
Human rights are for everyone, not just Catholics!
When popes, their entourage, and all advisors can and do become pregnant, then their opinions on the matter might possibly be considered.
If the bishops don’t stop turning Sunday mass into political soap box sessions about abortion Sunday after Sunday , the few that are going to mass will disappear ….
I doubt that. In my parish, people are always complaining that priests and bishops don’t speak enough about controversial issues.
The Pope’s out of touch and dogmatic views would be a matter of irrelevance if it were not for the malign influence of the Vatican and the Institution of the Roman Catholic Church on Irish public opinion.
Religion needs to be taken out of the law.
The Vatican must not be permitted to dictate the provisions of the Irish Constitution or of Irish law.
Abortion is legal in Italy up to 3 months. Maybe the pope could confine his meddling in state affairs closer to home
Can’t remember! Was one month ago online! Just a quick glance at numbers I had! Oh there was a poll done alrite! Think it was 22, 645 in relation to 2, 685
Thanks Shane, that’s the facts we were looking for.
At what stage of their lives were popes separated from their moms?
The pre-born are deemed so precious, but the following questions need to be asked: 1. What is the track record of inclusion of children with special needs in Catholic schools in the U.S.?nn2. Are any Catholic folk with special needs precluded from partaking in the religious sacraments in the U.S.?
Are any children with special needs aborted by the thousands? Down’s Syndrome is a case in point!
Ah Journal, the picture of Daniel was more pleasing to the eye
They should keep their noses out of this country’s affairs considering they’re the organisation that caused a lot of suffering in this country ie sexual abuse
The Pope does not the represent Jesus, he representents The Anti-Christ / False Prophet who is the apostle Paul. He is a nobody he has no power only the power he gives himself. All Churches are Churches of The Anti-Christ as they all have Paul.
`A last minute guide to the Bible` http://www.lastminutebibleguide.capnix.com
My god, the news screening department in the Vatican would want to hurry up. The Pope is like a month behind the rest of the world news wise.
Liz, benny and his babbling buffoons are centuries behind reality.
have your say