Opposition Reports Chemical Attack in Damascus, CDS Calls Upon US and UN to Act
Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) August 21, 2013 -- The Coalition for a Democratic Syria (CDS) condemns in the strongest possible terms the Assad regime's alleged brutal use of chemical weapons in several of Damascus' suburbs, including Zamalka, Ein Tarma, Douma, and Muadameyeh. According to the Local Coordination Committees of Syria, as cited by CNN, over 1,300 people were killed on Wednesday as a result of chemical attacks. Videos uploaded by activists show most of the victims are children.
Read more: Syrian activists: Videos show chemical weapons used [CNN, 21 Aug. 2013]
CDS has called upon the Obama administration to act swiftly and decisively against the regime's alleged use of chemical weapons, which constitutes a red line as described by President Obama repeatedly. A U.N. team arrived in Syria earlier this week to investigate previous reports of chemical attacks (CNN). According to a statement, released Wednesday, by White House Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest, the U.S. is formally requesting that the U.N. urgently investigate "reports that hundreds of Syrian civilians have been killed in an attack by Syrian government forces, including by the use of chemical weapons."
Read more: Statement by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest on Allegations of Chemical Weapons Use in Syria [White House]
"Assad's regime has committed yet another horrible crime, making a mockery of all laws and lines," said Dr. Yahya Basha, Chairman of CDS. "The Obama administration and the UN should immediately investigate the chemical attacks and actively prevent the Assad regime from using chemical weapons against the Syrian people. The timing of the attacks is a very clear message to the Obama administration and the international community." (Note: the reports of the incident are under investigation).
SEE: Videos of reported chemical attacks on children here and here.
About the Coalition for a Democratic Syria
The Coalition for a Democratic Syria is a group of Syrian-American non-profit organizations working together to bring about a swift end to the conflict and support the establishment of peace, freedom, and democracy in Syria. The CDS is a multi-ethnic, multi-confessional, non-partisan organization. The CDS includes: Syrian Emergency Task Force, United for Free Syria, Syrian American Council, Syrian American Alliance, Syrian Christians for Democracy, and Association of Free Syrians.
Muna Jondy, President, United for a Free Syria, http://unitedfreesyria.org, 810-241-5273, [email protected]
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