The Hague, July 9 (SANA) The Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on Thursday adopted by consensus a decision restoring the rights and privileges of the Syrian Arab Republic under the Chemical Weapons Convention, in a move reflecting broad international support for Syria and its efforts to deal with the legacy of the chemical weapons program of the deposed Assad regime.
The decision, submitted by Qatar with diplomatic support from its embassy in The Hague, was sponsored by 66 member states representing different regional groups, the largest number of co-sponsors for a draft decision in the history of the OPCW. It was subsequently adopted by consensus by all members of the Executive Council.
In remarks to SANA, Syria’s Permanent Representative to the OPCW, Ambassador Mohammad Katoub, said restoring Syria’s rights and privileges with the unanimous support of the Executive Council “signals international support for Syria’s return as an active member of the international community.”
“It is also a message to the victims who suffered from chemical weapons that they are regaining the rights of their state, which were suspended because of the Assad regime’s use of chemical weapons against them,” Katoub said.
Syrian Justice Minister: OPCW decision restores confidence in the Syrian State’s institutions
Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais stated that the restoration of Syria’s rights and privileges within the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) represents a restoration of the Syrian state’s status and reinforces international confidence in the country and its institutions.
Al-Wais stressed that holding accountable those involved in crimes related to the use of chemical weapons remains both a national and legal obligation, while ensuring justice for victims and reinforcing the principle of accountability and non-impunity.
Canada welcomes restoration of Syria’s rights and privileges at OPCW
Canada welcomed the decision by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to restore Syria’s rights and privileges under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
Canadian Ambassador to Lebanon and Syria Gregory Galligan wrote in a post on X that Canada welcomes the decision of the OPCW Executive Council to reinstate Syria’s rights and privileges under the Convention.
He added that Canada, as a partner, supports Syria’s renewed cooperation with the OPCW aimed at the complete and verifiable elimination of the country’s chemical weapons program.
MZN – A/Dh
