Fresh reports today that the Syrian army is using chemical weapons against rebel forces in the outskirts of Damascus.
The French Daily Le Monde carries the report quoting two of its journalists, who were in the area in April and May.
The journalists claim the gases are used 'on an ad hoc basis, avoiding widespread use that would easily provide irrefutable evidence'.
A top UN envoy has said there are "mounting reports" of the use of chemical weapons in Syria, and called on Damascus to let in UN investigators.
The news comes as Britain and France prepare to push for a change to the EU sanctions imposed on Syria, to help arm rebels fighting President Assad.
The plan is likely to run into strong opposition during talks in Brussels today.
Arriving at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Britain's Foreign Secretary William Hague says the EU can't just do nothing when current sanctions run out next month:
