A team of United Nations chemical weapons inspectors has begun its mission in Syria after months of delay. The inspectors arrived on Sunday shortly after a U.N. spokesperson said an agreement had been formalized.

Eduardo del Buey: “In a statement yesterday afternoon, the secretary-general announced the government of Syria’s formal acceptance of the modalities essential for cooperation to ensure the proper, safe and efficient conduct of the mission to investigate allegations of the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic. The departure of the team is now imminent. As agreed with the government of Syria, the team will remain in the country to conduct its activities, including on-site visits, for a period of up to 14 days, extendable upon mutual request — consent.”

The U.N. team will visit three sites and analyze only whether chemical weapons were used — not whether the Assad regime or anti-government rebels were responsible. Each side has accused the other of launching chemical attacks.