Nation calls for full implementation of Chemical Weapons Convention
VOV.VN - The UN Security Council (UNSC) convened a meeting on October 4 to review the implementation of Resolution 2118, originally issued back in 2013, regarding the issue of chemical weapons being used in Syria.
Upon addressing the meeting, Ambassador Pham Hai Anh, deputy permanent representative of Vietnam to the UN, reiterated the nation’s stance on condemning the use of chemical weapons, stressing the need for respecting and fully carrying out the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC),
He went on to highlight the role of technical consultations between Syria and the Technical Secretariat of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to swiftly deal with the outstanding issues related to Syria’s initial declaration. This can represent a last solution to the chemical weapon issue in this country in line with Resolution 2118.
The diplomat also underlined the importance of constructive co-operation and the international community’s unanimity to facilitate this process.
Izumi Nakamitsu, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, briefed participants regarding the implementation of Resolution 2118. Nakamitsu noted that most field activities carried out by the Technical Secretariat of OPCW have still been suspended due to the impact of anti-COVID-19 measures.
Regarding the settlement of outstanding issues regarding the initial declaration by Syria to the OPCW under the CWC, the Technical Secretariat of the OPCW and Syria are discussing ways in which to accelerate this process. The two sides are preparing for the 25th round of consultations in the latter half of October and also for a meeting between the OPCW Director-General and the Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, who is also head of the country’s national authority for the CWC.
During the duration of the session, UNSC members voiced their various concerns about the allegations of chemical weapon use in Syria and appealed for co-operation to be enhanced to prevent this action.
They underlined the importance of promoting technical co-operation between the Technical Secretariat of the OPCW and Syria to deal with outstanding issues towards the full implementation of obligations under the CWC and UNSC Resolution 2118.