In a statement this morning the Government said it is shocked by the latest events in Syria, where hundreds of civilians, mostly women and children, were brutally murdered when they were attacked by poisonous gases.

“The Maltese and Gozitan people have witnessed through the international news gruesome scenes of children, young and old, including women, fighting for their lives, choking due to the poisonous chemicals,” the Government said.

“The Government pointed out that the war in Syria has already brought immense suffering to millions of Syrian citizens, as well as creating huge difficulties to its surrounding countries through the humanitarian crisis, with the wave of refugees fleeing their homes. “Nevertheless, the worst phase of this conflict occurred through this episode.”

It said that the use of chemical weapons, has been condemned around the world for nearly a hundred years, as were poisonous gases, with an agreement that these chemicals should never again be used.

The Government said it reiterates in the strongest terms its condemnation for the use of these devastating weapons.

It said it is following the current situation, saying that although “until now there is not a 100% proof that these poisons were used by the Assad regime, circumstantial evidence is pointing in that direction.”

It also notes the responses to the current events from European Union countries, the United States and the League of Arab States, but said that there does not appear to be an agreement on what to do in response to this episode of cruelty and brutality from within the Security Council of the United Nations

Therefore, the Government said it calls on member countries of the Security Council of the United Nations to find a mutual agreement on the measures to be taken in response to this incident and then together they should deliver that message to the civilized world, “Such atrocities cannot be accepted, without consequences to its perpetrators.”

The Maltese Government also said that the informed decision to be taken, is one that considers both the immediate and long-term effects.

“The Government is aware of the effects that any such measure could have on the region, which is already beset by problems, some of which have been going on for years. Malta will carefully follow what is to be decided in the coming days, and as a member of the international community, as well as a member of the European Union, will play a role in the discussions that take place in international fora and also in the fight against the use of chemical weapons, according to the international obligations of the country and in full respect for the constitutional principles of our country,” the statement concluded.

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