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S/2017/552 6/6 17-10687 and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities. The Mechanism continues to meet with relevant experts associated with the aforementioned Committees. IV. The way forward 18. In accordance with its mandate, the starting point of the Mechanism’s investigation is the determination by the fact-finding mission that a specific incident in the Syrian Arab Republic involved or likely involved the use of chemicals as weapons. The fact-finding mission is continuing investigations into other alleged incidents of the use of chemicals as weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic. The Leadership Panel will review any determinations of use of chemicals as weapons by the fact-finding mission, with a view to considering whether the Mechanism may investigate these incidents. 19. The Mechanism is gathering all relevant information concerning the two reported incidents involving the use of chemicals as weapons in Umm Hawsh and Khan Shaykhun in the Syrian Arab Republic. Member States, as well as international organizations, non-governmental organizations, other entities and individuals in possession of information relating to these incidents, are encouraged to approach the Mechanism and share such information at the earliest opportunity. The Mechanism continues to adhere to strict standards for the protection of confidential information. 20. The Leadership Panel reminds the Syrian Arab Republic and all parties in the country, as well as other Member States, that the investigation depends on the quality of information shared with the Mechanism and that its outcomes are tied to the timely receipt of such information. V. Concluding remarks 21. The Leadership Panel resolutely condemns the use of chemicals as weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic. These deliberate, insidious acts of poisoning must stop. The international community has worked tirelessly to eradicate chemical weapons through the Geneva Protocol of 1925 and the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993. We cannot allow these gains to be lost. 22. The Leadership Panel is concerned by unfortunate attempts to politicize the work of the Mechanism and is aware that various stakeholders hold views on how the investigation should be conducted in order to generate confidence in its outcomes. The Panel and the entire staff of the Mechanism remain committed to fully implementing its mandate in an independent, impartial and objective manner. 23. It is the hope of the Leadership Panel that its work, building on that of the previous Panel, may serve as an active deterrent to any further use of chemical weapons. To that end, the Mechanism will identify, to the greatest extent feasible, those involved in the use of such weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic, so that they may be brought to account. 24. The Leadership Panel wishes to thank the Member States for their continued expressions of support for the work of the Mechanism, including through contributions to its voluntary trust fund. The Panel also wishes to thank the United Nations Secretariat, in particular the Office for Disarmament Affairs, and the OPCW Technical Secretariat for their continued support for the functioning of the Mechanism