Nations agree to boost global chemical weapons body’s powers

The Hague (AFP) – World governments on Wednesday voted to boost the powers of the global chemical weapons watchdog to enable it to name those behind toxic arms attacks in Syria, delegations attending the talks said.

“The #UK Decision at the @OPCW Conference of State Parties has passed with votes 82 in favour,” the British delegation said in a tweet, adding 24 countries were against. Australian and Norwegian envoys also tweeted that the proposal had passed despite fierce opposition from Russia, Syria and Iran.