WH calls on Russia to stop blocking UN gas inquiry in Syria

Russia vetoed a renewal effort last week, led by the United States, before the UN Security Council. Authority for the Joint Investigative Mechanism of the UN and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is due to expire in mid-November.

The UN investigative team last week raised Russia’s ire by finding that the Assad regime was responsible for an April sarin gas attack on the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun which killed dozens of people. Russia and Syria have denied the allegation.

"This unconscionable attack marks the fourth time that the JIM has confirmed that regime used chemical weapons, underscoring the brutal and horrifying barbarism of Bashar al-Assad and making the protection provided by Russia even more egregious," the White House said in a statement.

"Russia’s attempts to undermine and eliminate the JIM show a callous disregard for the suffering and loss of life caused by the use of chemical weapons, and an utter lack of respect for international norms," it said.

"The United States implores the UN Security Council to renew the mandate of the JIM so that we may continue to identify the perpetrators of these horrific attacks and send a clear message that the use of chemical weapons will not be tolerated," the White House said.

The Khan Sheikhoun attack prompted US President Donald Trump to launch missile strikes on Assad air base in Shayrat, which Western governments say was used to launch the gas attack.

After years of arguing over who is behind frequently reported chemical attacks in Syria, the UN council unanimously agreed to create the JIM in 2015. Its authority was renewed it for another year in 2016.