Syria’s caretaker Foreign Minister addressed the OPCW Executive Council, affirming the new Syrian Government’s commitment to dismantling its chemical weapons program and seeking international cooperation. Following recent discussions with the OPCW Director-General, a 9-point Action Plan was proposed to ensure compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. The OPCW continues to monitor Syria’s adherence since its accession in 2013.
On March 5, 2025, during the 108th session of the Executive Council held at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Headquarters in The Hague, Mr. Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, Syria’s caretaker Foreign Minister, delivered a significant address. He articulated the new Syrian Government’s resolve to rebuild Syria while emphasizing the importance of transparency, justice, and international cooperation.
Minister al-Shaibani stated that the Syrian Government is committed to dismantling any remnants of the chemical weapons program established under the previous administration. He expressed the need for international support, along with the OPCW’s partnership, to ensure adherence to international law and to serve justice for the victims of chemical weapon usage.
His participation in the Executive Council followed the OPCW Director-General’s visit to Damascus on February 8, 2025, where he met with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister al-Shaibani. This visit was pivotal in fostering renewed collaboration between Syria and the OPCW.
Director-General Fernando Arias remarked, “The OPCW welcomes the visit of the Syrian caretaker Foreign Minister… This demonstrates the strong commitment of the new Syrian authorities to cooperate with the OPCW to eradicate all chemical weapons in Syria.” He further highlighted the unique opportunity provided by the current political changes in Syria, which could facilitate the completion of the chemical weapons program’s elimination.
Since joining the Chemical Weapons Convention in October 2013, Syria has faced scrutiny regarding the accuracy of its chemical weapons declarations. The OPCW has documented various cases of chemical weapon usage and attributed such acts to the previous Syrian regime, resulting in restrictions on Syria’s rights within the OPCW.
During his visit, Director-General Arias also introduced a 9-point Action Plan aimed at ensuring compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. Key actions include cataloging chemical weapon sites and munitions and establishing long-term compliance.
The Executive Council remains responsible for overseeing the Technical Secretariat’s function and facilitating adherence to the Convention. The OPCW, a vital entity comprising 193 Member States, continues to strive towards the goal of eradicating chemical weapons globally as part of its mission since the Chemical Weapons Convention’s inception in 1997. The OPCW has successfully verified the destruction of over 72,000 metric tonnes of chemical agents declared by its Member States, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for these efforts.
Syria’s Foreign Minister emphasized the new regime’s commitment to dismantle chemical weapons and foster cooperation with the international community during the recent OPCW Executive Council meeting. This engagement highlights the potential for renewed collaboration following previous tensions regarding Syria’s compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. The OPCW’s ongoing oversight and the introduction of an actionable plan signify a critical step towards a comprehensive resolution of Syria’s chemical weapons legacy.
Original Source: www.opcw.org
