Moscow doesn't rule out filing request to OPCW over suspected chemical attack in Ukraine's east

Russian ambassador to the Netherlands Roman Kolodkin has voiced hope that Ukraine will file a request to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for to send OPCW experts to participate in the probing of the recent tragic events in Odessa, the RIA Novosti news agency reports.

"We are expecting it. We hope that Ukraine itself will request OPCW experts to participate in the investigation," the ambassador said. Otherwise, he added, Russia may formally appeal to the OPCW to investigate the suspected use of chemical weapons in southeastern Ukraine.

"Solid grounds are needed for such a request to be filed, not just media reports. But if there is more information of that kind, then we may bring the matter up," Kolodkin said.

On June 30, deputy commander of the Donetsk self-defense volunteer corps Igor Strelkov announced that people with chlorine poisoning symptoms had been admitted to a hospital in Slavyansk following a Ukrainian artillery attack on the town.
Read more: http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_06_30/Russia-to-complain-to-OPCW-over-suspected-chemical-attack-in-eastern-Ukraine-0452/