New York, Jan. 9 (SANA) Turkey’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ahmed Yildiz, criticized Israel on Thursday for its “irresponsible attacks” on Syria, saying they are obstructing international efforts to eliminate the country’s chemical weapons.
Speaking at a UN Security Council session on the Middle East, Yildiz emphasized the importance of removing remnants of chemical weapons from Syria. He said Israel’s ongoing strikes and military activities are complicating these joint efforts.
“These attacks have damaged former chemical weapons facilities, increased the costs and risks of destruction operations, and endangered the safety and freedom of local residents as well as OPCW personnel,” Yildiz said, referring to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
Yildiz called on the international community to act to prevent such attacks, stressing that the full elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons is essential for regional security and a humanitarian priority. He noted that systematic obstacles imposed by the deposed Syrian regime are now in the past, and that the new government presents an opportunity for more effective engagement with the OPCW.
Syria’s UN ambassador, Ibrahim Olabi, reaffirmed Damascus’ commitment to eliminating its chemical weapons legacy inherited from the deposed regime. He said Syria is determined to close this chapter permanently and underscored its dedication to strengthening the global non-proliferation regime as vital for regional and international security.
K.A
