Russia Denies Chemical Weapons Used in Syria

Russia on Wednesday angrily dismissed claims that Syrian forces have been using chemical weapons against the opposition with the help of Russian experts.

"We categorically deny these fabrications," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

"They only confirm that a propaganda war has been unleashed over Syria," said the statement.

"It seems that someone has a hard time overcoming the temptation to spread ugly lies in response to our principled position on the Syria issue."

Several Middle Eastern media outlets have cited Syrian opposition sources as saying that the regime has been using chemical weapons with the help of hired experts from Russia and Iran.

There has been no independent confirmation of the claims, which specifically concerned the flashpoint city of Homs.

Russia is Syria biggest arms suppliers and has continued to provide shipments to its Soviet-era ally throughout the government's 11-month crackdown on the opposition.