Head of UN OPCW meets Syrian leader

The head of the world's chemical weapons watchdog met Syria's new leader, in a first visit to Damascus since the ousting of Bashar al Assad. With new authorities now in power, the OPCW visit has raised hope Syria will be conclusively rid of such weapons after years of delays and obstructions to the body's work. "This visit marks a reset. The Syrian caretaker authorities have a chance to turn the page," OPCW chief Fernando Arias said. — AFP