UN pushes Syria for chemical probe, activists send samples

The United Nations stepped up demands on Syria for access to rebel-held Damascus suburbs hit by an apparent poison gas attack as activists sought to smuggle samples from victims to UN chemical weapons inspectors.

"I can think of no good reason why any party, either government or opposition forces - would decline this opportunity to get to the truth of the matter," UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told a diplomatic forum in Seoul on Friday. (Reuters)