UN-OPCW Joint Investigative Mechanism Has Become Tool for Political Manipulation: Mikdad

DAMASCUS, (ST)- Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faisal al-Mikdad  has stressed that the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)-United Nations (UN) Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) on the use of chemical weapons in Syria has failed and has become a tool for political manipulation by some countries.

 In a statement to Sputnik, al-Mikdad said that it is shameful to see the United States, France and some other countries accusing Syria of using chemical weapon against people without having proofs.

 “We listened to groundless accusations claiming that we are hindering the process of investigating cases in which chemical weapons were used in Syria, despite the fact that we have already given answers to all these accusations, ” added al-Mikdad.

The senior diplomat went on to say that Russia has submitted a draft resolution to the Security Council calling for establishing a new investigation body  to replace the JIM, but the member countries were different in viewpoints and goals which led to the refusal of the draft resolution.

Russia seeks establishing a professional and non politicized investigative body that works on the basis of hard evidence collected in transparent and trustful process,” al-Mikdad affirmed.

The deputy minister made it clear that Syria has eliminated its entire chemical program and it considers the use of chemical weapons within any circumstances, at any time or in any place as immoral and unacceptable act. However, al-Mikdad said, the United States hurries to accuse Russia and Syria of using toxic materials without waiting for professional and honest investigation.  

He also clarified that Washington has uncovered its reality before the international Community as being a party that doesn’t want an independent professional mechanism for investigation.

He reiterated that any investigative committees or mechanisms won’t be legitimate without the approval of the Security Council.     

Hamda Mustafa