Russia on Tuesday rejected French accusations it is blocking access to the site of a suspected chemical attack in Syria and called on Western countries to "stop manipulating public opinion" on the issue. 

 

"It is unclear why the French foreign ministry is speaking in the name of the OPCW (Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons). If the inspectors experienced problems, they would make a statement on this issue," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. 

 

Earlier on Tuesday the French government said it was "highly likely" evidence would "disappear" from the site of a suspected chemical attack in Syria's Douma before weapons experts arrived. 

 

Zakharova called the accusation "very surprising," saying that Russia had supported the inspection.

 

The U.S. and Britain have also voiced concerns that Moscow might have tampered with evidence on the site.

 

"We call on Western countries who took part in the illegitimate bombing of Syria to stop manipulating public opinion and interfering in the work of international organizations," Zakharova said.

 

The Kremlin on Monday dismissed claims that Russia and Syria were blocking access to the site as "groundless." 

 

The US, Britain and France fired around 100 missiles at three suspected chemical facilities in Syria on Saturday, saying they had proof the government of President Bashar al-Assad was behind the Douma attack.