Chemical weapons watchdog ‘concerned’ by reports from Mariupol

The global chemical weapons watchdog says it is “concerned by the recent unconfirmed report of chemical weapons use in Mariupol” and is closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine.

The spokesperson for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons says in a statement that the allegations follow “reports in the media over the past few weeks of shelling targeted at chemical plants located in Ukraine, together with accusations leveled by both sides around possible misuse of toxic chemicals.”

The spokesperson says that the “use of chemical weapons anywhere by anyone under any circumstances is reprehensible and wholly contrary to the legal norms established by the international community against such use.”

Both Russia and Ukraine are among the organization’s 193 member states.

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization says it “remains ready to assist any State Party upon its request, in case of use or threat of use of chemical weapons.”