Gas weapons team stalled

UN SECURITY experts are negotiating with Syrian and Russian authorities for international chemical inspectors to visit the site of an alleged toxic gas attack near Damascus after a reconnaissance mission came under fire.

The team from the world’s chemical arms watchdog has not yet started its field work in Douma, where dozens were killed in a suspected April 7 gas attack, as Western powers warn that President Bashar alAssad’s regime may attempt to remove crucial evidence.

The UN said it was trying to make arrangements for the experts to travel to Douma “at the earliest possible time”.