Date Posted: 2024-12-05 17:19:23 | Video Duration: 01:45:19
Security Council Convenes to Address Chemical Weapons Concerns in Syria
The United Nations Security Council convened to discuss the ongoing issues related to the use of chemical weapons in Syria. This meeting marked the 9,800th session of the council, focusing on the complexities and challenges in securing compliance with international chemical weapons conventions.
The session began with the announcement of the agenda, which included participation from representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Syrian Arab Republic, and Turkey. The inclusion of these nations highlighted the international dimension of the issue at hand.
During the meeting, the Russian Federation raised concerns about procedural violations, accusing the U.S. presidency of the council of advancing its own ideological priorities. The representative criticized the inclusion of civil society reports, which they claimed were emotionally charged and unsubstantiated.
Briefing on Chemical Weapons in Syria
Miss Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, presented a detailed briefing on the status of Syria’s chemical weapons program. She expressed the United Nations’ concern over the deteriorating security situation in Syria and called for de-escalation and adherence to international law.
Nakamitsu reported that the OPCW’s Declaration Assessment Team (DAT) continued its efforts to clarify outstanding issues regarding Syria’s initial and subsequent declarations. Despite 28 rounds of consultations, 19 issues remain unresolved, some involving potentially undeclared chemical weapons production.
The OPCW Technical Secretariat has not received new information that might resolve these concerns, which include large quantities of chemical warfare agents and munitions that cannot be fully verified. Nakamitsu emphasized the need for full cooperation from Syria to close these outstanding issues.
Statements from Member States
Representatives of various countries, including Ecuador, Algeria, Switzerland, France, Japan, Malta, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Korea, expressed their positions on the matter. Most emphasized the importance of accountability and full compliance with the chemical weapons convention.
Several nations, including Ecuador and Japan, condemned the use of chemical weapons and urged Syria to provide complete and verifiable information to the OPCW. The United Kingdom highlighted the human cost of chemical weapon attacks and called for a Syrian-led political solution.
The representative of the Russian Federation reiterated their stance, criticizing the OPCW’s handling of the Syrian chemical dossier and accusing Western nations of fabricating accusations against Syria. They emphasized Syria’s cooperation with the OPCW despite previous decisions to strip Syria of certain rights under the chemical weapons convention.
Closing Remarks and Future Actions
As the session concluded, the representative of the United States reiterated the need for accountability and transparency in dealing with Syria’s chemical weapons program. The United States called for continued monitoring and cooperation with the OPCW to ensure the complete elimination of chemical weapons in Syria.
The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the international community in addressing the use of chemical weapons in conflict zones. The Security Council remains committed to upholding international norms and ensuring that those responsible for chemical weapon use are held accountable.
Watch the Original Video on Youtube
