Ships to haul 500 tons of Syrian chemical agents

Danish, Norwegian cargo ships to ferry sealed containers full of chemical compounds

By AP 14 December 2013, 6:36 pm

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Danish chemical expert Bjorn Schmidt speaks to reporters aboard the Danish frigate HDMS Esbern Snare in Cyprus’ Limassol port on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013. Schmidt said that Danish and Norwegian cargo vessels can safely ferry up to 500 tons of Syria’s most dangerous chemical weapons out of the strife-torn country. (Photo credit: AP/Pavlos Vrionides)

LIMASSOL, Cyprus — A Danish chemical expert says Danish and Norwegian ships can safely ferry up to 500 tons of Syria’s most dangerous chemical weapons out of the strife-torn country.

Bjoern Schmidt says sealed containers full of chemical compounds, which when mixed can create lethal Sarin and VX gases, will be loaded at opposite ends of the two cargo ships.

Schmidt said Saturday the exact quantity of chemicals to be taken out of Syria is unknown.

Cmdr. Henrik Holck Rasmussen, of Danish frigate HDMS Esbern Snare, said two cargo ships will go to Syria as many times as needed to pick up all chemical weapons.

The Danish warship and a Norwegian frigate will act as escorts. Both are docked in Cyprus along with a cargo ship. The second cargo ship hasn’t arrived yet.