BERLIN (AP) -- The German government has confirmed that between 2002 and 2006 officials authorized the export to Syria of more than 100 metric tons (110 tons) of chemicals which could be used to make the deadly nerve agent sarin.
The Economy Ministry said in a statement published Wednesday that the chemicals were classed as "dual-use" goods and there was no indication they had been used for military purposes.
The chemicals included 93 metric tons (102 tons) of hydrogen fluoride and 12 metric tons (13 tons) of ammonium hydrogen fluoride.
According to experts, these substances can be used in the production of sarin but also have legitimate civilian purposes.
The chemicals have been subject to export restrictions in Germany since the late 1980s.
