Syria says chemical inspectors refuse to visit key sites

DAMASCUS: A top Syrian official says the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons refused to visit key sites linked to a nerve-gas attack, casting doubt on the international monitor’s credibility.

Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad dismissed an OPCW report released last week confirming the use of sarin gas on the opposition-held town of Khan Shaikhoun in April. He says the inspectors refused government invitations to visit the site of the attack or the military airport allegedly linked to it.

The report, which relied on samples taken to Turkey, did not say who was responsible for the attack.