The subsequent US military action against Shayrat Airfield was a carefully calibrated, limited in scope response to this war crime and was directed against Syrian military targets directly connected to the 4thApril chemical weapons attack in order to prevent and deter the proliferation and use of deadly chemical weapons in Syria. We express full support to the OPCW Fact Finding Mission investigation and stress that if the Fact Finding Mission concludes that chemical weapons have or have likely been used, the OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism should immediately carry out its investigation in accordance with its mandate to identify the perpetrators. We call upon the Syrian Arab Republic and all parties in Syria to cooperate fully with the OPCW to allow a prompt conclusion of its investigation on this heinous incident. We call on Russia and Iran, who have a responsibility, as allies of the Syrian regime, to use their influence to ensure Syria’s compliance with all of its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention. Unresolved gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies in Syria’s chemical weapons declarations, remain a matter of significant concern, and must be urgently addressed. We believe that there is an opportunity to bring this tragic crisis to an end and we hope that all major partners will live up to their international responsibilities and seize this opportunity. Russia has the potential to help resolve the conflict and restore a stable and unified Syria, and defeat ISIL/Da'esh and terrorism. We urge Russia to work to promote a real and genuine political process in Syria, in accordance with the Geneva communiqué and UN Security Council Resolution 2254, and to use its influence with the regime to bring the conflict to an end, beginning with the enforcement of a real ceasefire and improved humanitarian access, and engage seriously in the UN led political process. If Russia is prepared to use its influence, then we are prepared to work with it in resolving the conflict in Syria, pursuing a political settlement and ultimately contributing to the costs of stabilization and reconstruction. Accountability for gross and systematic violations perpetrated in Syria is paramount. Any inability to ensure accountability of perpetrators can result in additional brutality and continued flouting of international norms. We welcome the adoption by the UN General Assembly of a resolution establishing an international, impartial, independent investigative mechanism, with a view to holding accountable those responsible for massive violations and abuses of international human rights law committed in Syria. We take note with great concern of the most recent report of the Commission of Inquiry regarding the events in Aleppo, the attack on the UN-SARC humanitarian aid convoy and the Joint Communiqué | G7 FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING 8