James Petras: UN should investigate Daesh use of chemical arms

Press TV has interviewed James Petras, a Middle East expert in New York, to discuss a recent report carried by Russian sources saying there is a high probability that the Daesh terrorist group is using chemical weapons in Syria.

The following is a rough transcription of the interview.

Press TV: Russia is saying that there is a high probability that Daesh now is using chemical weapons and saying that there has been some obviously traces of that. What can be done from the international perspective right now to actually stop these terrorists from continuing to use these weapons?

Petras: I think it needs a very important commission to investigate this transfer of Sarin from Turkey to the Daesh terrorists. I think the United Nations has to intervene; I think the atomic energy commission has to intervene; I think the United States has to take a stand on this issue.

I think it is clear that Turkish officials are involved because high level Turkish opposition figures have made this claims; it is a credible claim. I do not think that we can let this go. Washington has to assume responsibility. This issue has to be put before the National Security Council of the United Nations (UN). I think that the investigation has to identify exactly where this Sarin gas is stored, where it is used, [and] what the consequences are. It cannot be allowed to continue because it endangers the entire region.

Press TV: You talked about the investigation of Turkey and their involvement, if any, in the transfer of Sarin gas. Is it likely to happen? Who has to make that investigation happen in order to have the stop if they are really involved in this?     

Petras: Well, clearly the Erdogan regime will resist this. They have resisted past investigations of their behavior particularly with regard of violations of human rights, violations of press freedom etc. I think the UN Security Council (UNSC) is the appropriate place where this has to be raised and I think it requires the Europeans, the US, Russia [and] China to make a ...stand, calling for this investigation and I think the investigation has to lead to the compilation of information and I think only under those auspices will Turkey submit to any…investigations. Now the possibility of this taking place is highly unlikely because Turkey is a member of NATO and the Europeans and US are less likely to approach their allies with this type of proposal.

So I do not think the vehicles for investigating this are likely to take stand and I am afraid that this issue will go by the boards. 

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