Senior Disarmament Official Calls for Urgent Action to Clarify and Eliminate Syria’s Chemical Weapons to Security Council
The international community is urged to take advantage of a crucial opportunity to clarify the long-standing issues surrounding Syria’s chemical weapons program, according to a senior United Nations disarmament official. Adedeji Ebo, the Director and Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, emphasized the importance of cooperation between Syria’s new government and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The Syrian representative expressed a commitment to addressing the legacy of chemical weapons with transparency and responsibility, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to disarmament.
New Cooperation with OPCW
Adedeji Ebo highlighted that Syria’s new government is actively collaborating with the OPCW’s Technical Secretariat to clarify the extent of the previous government’s chemical weapons program. This cooperation includes the appointment of Syria’s permanent representative to the OPCW and the establishment of a continuous OPCW presence in the country. Ebo commended this commitment, stating that it is both welcome and commendable. He noted that, in addition to the 26 declared chemical weapons-related sites, there are indications that over 100 additional sites may have been involved in chemical weapons activities. The Technical Secretariat plans to visit these sites to gather more information.
Ebo also pointed out that some of the sites are located in dangerous areas, posing significant risks to the teams involved, including both Syrian and OPCW personnel. He acknowledged that the tasks ahead may be more complex than those faced 11 years ago, as the Technical Secretariat prepares a needs and gaps assessment. The destruction of any identified chemical weapons may need to occur on-site, depending on the conditions. Ebo called for consistent international support, urging Security Council members to demonstrate leadership in the effort to eliminate chemical weapons in Syria.
Syria’s Commitment to Disarmament
The Syrian delegate expressed a strong belief in cooperation and partnership with the international community, marking a year since the country’s liberation from the Assad era, during which chemical weapons were extensively used against civilians. He stated that the new government has transitioned from a phase of suspicion and manipulation to one of partnership with the OPCW. Despite facing inherited challenges such as secrecy, weak capacities, and external threats to suspected sites, Syria is expanding its cooperation with the OPCW. The delegate pointed to eight technical deployments to 23 sites, unrestricted access, and regular monthly reporting as evidence of this commitment.
Türkiye’s representative welcomed Syria’s cooperative stance, emphasizing that eliminating remaining chemical weapons is both a legal obligation under the Chemical Weapons Convention and a critical necessity for regional security. He noted that mines and hazards from past chemical weapons activities continue to endanger civilians and hinder the safe return of displaced individuals. The Turkish delegate stressed that Syria cannot achieve this goal alone and requires sustained international support, while also highlighting that ongoing airstrikes by Israel pose challenges to these efforts.
International Support and Accountability
Several Security Council members expressed their support for Syria’s cooperation with the OPCW, urging both parties to remain committed despite the challenges ahead. France’s representative described this moment as a historic opportunity to finalize Syria’s chemical disarmament and ensure accountability for the Assad regime’s use of chemical weapons. He raised concerns about the existence of approximately 100 undeclared sites potentially linked to the chemical weapons program, emphasizing the need for resolute technical and financial support from the international community.
The United States echoed this sentiment, noting that the past year has opened unprecedented avenues for the OPCW in Syria. The U.S. representative called for extrabudgetary support and urged countries that have not yet contributed to do so. Greece announced its financial commitment to the OPCW’s Syria missions and expressed readiness to provide further assistance, particularly in training to help Syria fulfill its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention. Meanwhile, Panama’s delegate highlighted the need for accountability, asserting that the use of chemical weapons constitutes a grave violation of international law.
Concerns Over Politicization of OPCW Work
Some representatives raised concerns about the need for impartiality in the OPCW’s work. China’s delegate emphasized that the organization must maintain its technical integrity and conduct its duties transparently and securely. He called for investigations into alleged chemical weapons use to follow proper procedures and rely on solid evidence. The Russian representative criticized the OPCW for politicizing the chemical weapons issue, claiming that it has been used to pressure Syrian authorities. He argued that the organization’s actions have often been detached from reality, complicating the situation further.
As discussions continue, the international community remains focused on the need for a stable and inclusive Syria to ensure full transparency in the elimination of chemical weapons and to secure accountability for past violations. The commitment to cooperation and the call for sustained international support are crucial as Syria navigates this complex landscape.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
