The departure of U.N. chemical weapons experts to Syria has been delayed because an agreement hasn't been reached with the Syrian government on arrangements for the investigation of three incidents of alleged chemical weapons use, AP cited the United Nations as saying on Tuesday. U.N. deputy spokesman Eduardo del Buey said the investigation team led by Swedish chemical weapons expert Ake Sellstrom completed its logistical arrangements for the visit over the weekend. Del Buey said U.N. disarmament chief Angela Kane was continuing consultations with the Syrian government "with a view to reaching agreement as soon as possible on the modalities essential for cooperation to ensure the proper, safe and efficient conduct of the mission." U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky had said on Aug. 6 that preparations were expected to be completed "within the next days, following which the date of the mission in Syria will be announced." The team is expected to visit Khan al Assal, a village on the southwestern outskirts of the embattled city of Aleppo which was captured by the rebels in late July. The government and rebels blame each other for a purported chemical attack on the village on March 19 that killed at least 30 people. -- SPA 18:48 LOCAL TIME 15:48 GMT تغريد
