Via the BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24516303The head of the body tasked with destroying Syria's chemical weapons says he is concerned about accessing some sites in rebel-controlled areas.
Ahmet Uzumcu, of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, renewed calls for both sides in the conflict to support his mission.
He told the BBC he hoped the Nobel Peace Prize - awarded to the group last week - would help their work in Syria.
Syria officially joins the Chemical Weapons Convention on Monday.
The OPCW and the UN have had a team of 60 experts and support staff in Syria since 1 October. They are based in Damascus and have been carrying regular visits to facilities.
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Ahmet Uzumcu
They are working in very challenging circumstances in the field”
Ahmet Uzumcu OPCW director-general
Details of the visits have not been released. Syria is believed to possess mustard gas, as well as the sarin and VX nerve agents.
In his first interview since the OPCW won the prize, director-general Mr Uzumcu told the BBC's Today programme that Syrian officials had been co-operating and facilitating the experts' work.
He said they had been taken wherever they wanted to go, and that they had already reached five out of at least 20 facilities capable of producing chemical weapons.
However, Mr Uzumcu added that some of the sites listed in Syria's declaration lie within opposition territory.
"They change hands from one day to another, which is why we appeal to all sides in Syria to support this mission, to be co-operative and not render this mission more difficult. It's already challenging," he said.
He added that mortar shells had fallen "next to the hotel where our team is staying and there are exchanges for fire not far from where they go".
It is the first time the OPCW has worked in a war zone since it was set up in 1997.
My heart bleeds for them. That is sort of what working in a war zone means.
