The Syrian Arab Republic has welcomed the adoption of a resolution it submitted to the 110th session of the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). This marks Syria’s first international initiative since its liberation, made possible through cooperation and support from the State of Qatar, which currently represents Syria’s interests within the OPCW.
The resolution received joint sponsorship from 53 member states of the Chemical Weapons Convention, including Syria and Qatar, and was adopted by consensus among Executive Council members.
This resolution represents an unprecedented step since Syria’s accession to the OPCW in late 2013, and reflects the close cooperation between Syria and Qatar.
The resolution welcomes Syria’s positive steps and cooperation, and calls on member states to support its efforts in dealing with this heavy legacy. It also stipulates a change in the name of Syria’s chemical weapons file on the Executive Council’s agenda to “Elimination of any remnants of the chemical weapons program left from the Assad era,” in line with the victims’ perspective and in pursuit of a designation that reflects historical truth.”
This resolution empowers both Syria and the OPCW to address any remaining chemical weapons in the country in a manner consistent with current realities and available capacities, helping to overcome obstacles and ultimately rid Syria and the world of these weapons.
Mazen
