India today termed as matter of "grave concern" the reported use of chemical weapons in Syria and stressed the need to adhere by international legal norms against the use of chemical weapons by all.
It also reaffirmed its position for complete destruction and elimination of chemical weapons world-wide and said pending their elimination, it is vitally important to ensure safe and secure custody of chemical stockpiles and prevent their access to terrorists and non-state actors.
"There have been media reports regarding alleged use of chemical weapons in areas near Damascus in Syria, resulting in a large number of casualties. If the use of chemical weapons is confirmed, it is a matter of grave concern.
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"We stress that the international legal norms against the use of chemical weapons anywhere and by anyone must not be breached...India has consistently supported the complete destruction and elimination of chemical weapons world-wide," Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Yesterday, Syria's main opposition group accused the regime of using chemical weapons to strike rebel areas near Damascus in a "massacre" that left more than 1,300 people dead.
