Diplomats have confirmed that Russia has lifted its objections to a probe by United Nations into the use of chemical attack by Syria, clearing the way for the investigation to begin.
According to the Guardian, a resolution was adopted by the UN Security Council on August 7 approving a joint investigation by the UN and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon had proposed the mission to be entrusted to three independent experts.
Ban also asked the UNSC for the go ahead to recruit them.
Moscow wanted guarantees on several points, notably that the sovereignty of its Syrian ally would be respected and on the mission's financing, according to diplomats.