Damascus, Aug. 21 (SANA) Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barniyeh said the anniversary of the Ghouta massacre, committed by the ousted regime using chemical weapons, recalls the sacrifices of the victims and the responsibility to preserve their legacy.
In a post on Facebook on Friday, Barniyeh said: “On the anniversary of the Ghouta massacre today, we recall and honour the memory of our martyrs who gave their lives for this homeland.”
He added that the anniversary reminds Syrians and future generations of what they endured, the price of victory and the responsibility to safeguard it, saying: “We will not forget.”
The ousted regime carried out a chemical attack using sarin gas against Damascus’ Ghoutas on Aug. 21, 2013, killing more than 1,400 civilians, including children and women, and injuring thousands in one of the worst crimes committed against Syrians.
Since liberation, the Syrian government has pursued those involved in the use of chemical weapons and arrested several officers and officials linked to the chemical weapons file, including Maj. Gen. Adnan Abboud Halwa, Col. Ahmad Habib Ali and Brig. Gen. Khardal Ahmad Dioub.
Syria has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating the chemical legacy of the ousted regime era as a key step toward protecting citizens and regional stability.
F.J.
