Syrian govt urged to safeguard chemical weapons

UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon has urged the Syrian government to safeguard its chemical arsenal, a UN spokesman told reporters here on Wednesday.

"The secretary-general wishes to emphasize the fundamental responsibility of the government of Syria in ensuring the safety and security of all its weapon stockpiles," said Eduardo del Buey, deputy spokesperson for Ban, at a daily briefing when he was asked about the possible use of chemical weapons in Syria.

He added that the UN chief is aware of the reports related to the possible relocation of alleged chemical weapon stockpiles in Syria.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry said Monday that it might use chemical or germ weapons if there was specific outside aggression. Such weapons will never be used in any inner fight or against Syrian people during the current crisis, according to the ministry.

Ban expressed his concern over the statement later on Monday in Belgrade, during his visit to Balkan countries.