The UN Security Council is meeting at 3 pm (1900GMT) to discuss an alleged chemical weapons attack near Damascus. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon "is shocked to hear the reports of the alleged use today of chemical weapons in the suburbs of Damascus," spokesman Eduardo del Buey says. UN inspectors are discussing the claims by the opposition with the authorities in Damascus. Del Buey said "Ban is determined to ensure thorough investigations of all the allegations. He reiterates that "any use of chemical weapons by any side under any circumstances would violate international humanitarian law."
