Ban Ki-Moon has also warned Syria on the use of chemical weapons. This came at a high-level meeting of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in New York. The UN Secretary-General says the use of such weapons would be "an outrageous crime with dire consequences."

Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary General, said, "I have expressed grave concerns with the statements made by representatives of Syrian government regarding chemical weapons and their possible use. I have also personally conveyed these concerns directly to President Assad several weeks ago. I once again emphasize the fundamental responsibility of the Syrian government to ensure the safety and security of any such stockpiles."