Use of chemical weapons should not go unpunished

Speaking at a press conference on September 11, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Levent Gumrukcu said that Turkey would welcome Russia's proposal that would put Syria's chemical weapons under the control of international community, but such a move would not remove the responsibility of the Syrian regime for its prior use of chemical weapons. "Turkey welcomes this offer, but the key issue here is how sure and hopeful we can be about this issue, considering Assad regime's actions in Syria so far." Gumrukcu said, adding, "We know that the Assad regime used chemical weapons before August 21, 2013 as well and those responsible should be punished. This new process should not remove the obligation of accountability."