12/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - Ashton wants clarity on the use of chemical weapons. “The EU is stressing the need for the UN mission to definitively ascertain the use of chemical weapons”, a spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton told EUROPE on 12 July. Russia has announced that it has proof of the rebels using sarin gas. On 11 July, Ashton's spokesperson said that it is “important that the mission be able to do its work and we hope that it might have access to the country as soon as possible”. The spokesperson stated that the EU is waiting for further information because the reports give differing information. He reiterated that the use of sarin gas “is not acceptable”, and is illegal under international law. (CG/transl.fl)