Today’s vote in the UN Security Council shows that it is possible to overcome deadlock and to make joint decisions on the conflict in Syria. The Security Council has agreed to establish a mechanism for identifying and naming those responsible for the chemical weapon attacks in Syria. This sends an important signal that the international community does not tolerate the use of this type of warfare, which is banned under international law.

Only if the international community acts in concert will it be possible to urge the parties to the conflict to reach a political settlement to the conflict in Syria so that the suffering of the people in the country can finally be brought to an end.