Syria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ibrahim Olabi, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention during a session of the UN Security Council. Olabi stated that Syria’s adherence to the convention reflects not only legal obligations but also the country’s experience with the suffering caused by chemical attacks.
He emphasized that eliminating any remaining elements linked to the former Assad regime’s chemical weapons program is a national responsibility aimed at protecting Syrians and strengthening regional stability.
Continued Cooperation With the OPCW
Olabi said Syria continues to cooperate with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) despite significant technical and logistical challenges. He noted that Damascus has taken several measures to strengthen coordination with the organization, including the establishment of a national working group and the submission of regular monthly reports. These steps aim to enhance transparency and improve institutional and technical communication with the OPCW.
Discussions during the Security Council session highlighted international support for completing the process of eliminating chemical weapons in Syria. The representative of the UK welcomed a report by the OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team, which concluded that the Assad regime carried out a chlorine gas attack in Kafr Zita in 2016. She said progress in addressing the issue presents an opportunity that requires sustained international support.
The representative of Greece praised ongoing efforts to dismantle chemical weapons and said Athens is cooperating with Syrian authorities, including providing training support. France’s delegate from France expressed full support for Syria’s efforts to build an inclusive society, stressing that the international community must work to eliminate chemical weapons and ensure accountability for their use.
Representatives from Latvia and Denmark also emphasized that chemical weapons remain a global security threat and called for continued international support to help Syria and the OPCW complete the destruction process.
Regional and International Support
The representative of Bahrain highlighted the importance of eliminating weapons of mass destruction across the Middle East as a strategic step toward regional peace, while noting broader regional security concerns.
Meanwhile, the delegate from Pakistan reiterated support for Syria’s unity and territorial integrity. He welcomed Damascus’s commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention and called for strengthening the Syrian government’s capabilities to complete the disposal of any remaining chemical weapons materials.
