Miqdad: Syria fulfils its obligation to Eliminate Chemical Weapons
THE HAGUE-TEHRAN, (ST)_ Syria confirmed that it had decided in a sovereign and voluntary option mid- last September, a date to join the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons as proof to the world on its full commitment against any use of this type of weapon , especially after armed terrorist groups used it in several places in Syria.
This came in a speech by Dr. Faisal al-Miqdad Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates before the 18th Conference of States ,Parties to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons .
“It’s the first time , when Syria speaks before the conference after it had decided in a sovereign and voluntary accession to the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons , “Miqdad said.
He explained that it is no longer a secret that what is happening in Syria, since almost three years ago is a terrorist war , programmed by takfiriterrorist organizations supported by regional and international parties in committing terrorist crimes of killing, slaughter and destruction and the use of poison gas against the Syrian people , especially on 03/19/2013 , in Khan al-Asal, which prompted the Syrian government to ask the UN Security Council and Secretary- General to establish an international commission of inquiry immediately to investigate this terrorist crime , but he delayed the arrival of this committee to Syria for five months as a result of obstruction practiced by known countries.
Miqdad stressed that Syria ‘s response to the initiative launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin, reveals the extent of Syria’s keenness to get rid of all weapons of mass destruction and prevent the armed terrorist groups from using those weapons , stressing that “Syria’s response at the same time put the international community before its responsibility in making the Middle East free of all weapons of mass destruction . “
Miqdad reminded participants in the conference that Syria had debated during its membership in the Security Council in 2003, a draft resolution to vacate the region of all weapons of mass destruction .
In this regard , Dr. Miqdadindicated that what has been achieved so far can not be described but only ” typical” thanks to the cooperation and coordination between the Syrian national team and UN team , during which huge work was completed , that lasted years in other countries.”
He appreciated the sincere efforts made by Ahmad Auzmjo , Director General of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and Sigrid Kaag head of the joint mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons , the UN staff and other sides concerned.
Miqdad condemned attempts by some countries to politicize the Syrian chemical file in order to implement a private agendas far from the technical side enshrined in the Convention ‘s instructions.
He stressed that the difficult economic conditions experienced currently by Syria and priorities set to meet the basic needs of its citizens because of the terrorist war being waged against it and the unfair economic sanctions imposed on Syria by some countries, makes it imperative for the organization and the States concerned to provide financial and material support needed to achieve the desired goal to enable Syria implement its obligations in accordance with the pressing timeframes.
Dr. Miqdad concluded his statement by stressing understanding between the Syrian technical team and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to reach a common understanding to achieve a common goal , according to the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons .
The conference started deliberations yesterday morning in The Hague, the headquarters of the organization by electing Iraq as a President and Auzmjogave a report on the work of the organization during this year , especially aspects related to the removal of chemical weapons around the world, including the US and the Russian Federation.
T. Fateh