Seker: “Greece condemns any use of chemical weapons under any circumstances and emphasizes the need for those who used such weapons to be held accountable.”
The File for the Elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons program was informed by the Security Council by the High Representative Representative, Izumi Nakamitsu.
Mrs Nakamitsu stressed that, with the new political reality in Syria, there is a historic opportunity to ensure compliance with the contract for chemical weapons in the country.
Pointed out that there is a huge concern for existence “Non -declared or not verified chemical warfare and ammunition in Syria.”
In addition, he emphasized that the mission of the indication of the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the Research and Identification Team have recorded the use of chemical weapons in Syria, attributing some incidents to the Syrian Armed Forces. OPCW Technical Secretariat came to the conclusion that it is “Undoubtedly that the previous Syrian authorities did not declare the full range of their chemical weapons program and continued the production and use of chemical weapons after 2013”.
Despite the worrying past of the de facto government, Mrs Nakamitsu expressed optimism about her “willingness to work with OPCW”. As he said:
– On February 8, OPCW General Manager and a high-ranking delegation visited Damascus at the invitation of Foreign Minister ‘Assad Hassan al-Shabani.
– The Syrian authorities appointed responsible for chemical weapons and started direct contact with OPCW in The Hague.
– The Foreign Minister publicly reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to destroy any remnants of the chemical weapons program, to attribute justice to the victims and to ensure compliance with international law.
‘The OPCW Technical Secretariat’he said, “It has already begun cooperation with the de facto government, and a team of experts will go to Damascus to have a permanent presence in Syria and plan inspections on chemical weapons facilities.”
Mrs Nakamitsu called on the Security Council to unite and to ‘Show leadership in providing support’, pointing out that this is “Vital to the security of Syria, the region and the international community”.
In closing, he confirmed the United Nations commitment to “Keeping the ban on chemical weapons”.
“The United Nations is ready to provide support in every way possible and will continue to play their role in keeping the rule against the use of chemical weapons – anywhere, anytime”he said.
In terms of recent conflicts in the coastal areas of Syria, The UN Secretary -General’s Press Spokesman, Shower He said that the Secretary -General expresses his concern and strongly condemns all violence in Syria. Called on the parties to protect civilians and stop hostilities as he worries about risk of escalating tensions between communities in Syria.
“At one time reconciliation and peaceful political transition should be a priority. After fourteen years of conflict, Syrians deserve sustainable peace, prosperity and justice »noted during the press briefing at the headquarters of the International Organization.
The United Nations Special Envoy in Syria, Guard Pedersen stated that it is ‘Deeply worried about the facts’ and he stressed that “There is an urgent need for restraint from all parties and full respect for civilian protection in accordance with international law.”
“All parties should abstain from actions that could further trigger tensions, escalate the conflict, worsen the suffering of the affected communities, destabilize Syria and endanger a reliable and exclusive political transition,” he said.
O Greece’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris He confirmed Greece’s steady support in the contract for the ban on chemical weapons and praised the role of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for his impartial and professional work to investigate the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
Greek positions for Syria
Greece, due to its historical and political ties to Syria, supports a political inclusive transition, according to UN Security Council resolution 2254. Mr Sekeris expressed serious Concern about recent conflicts in the Syrian coastal areaespecially in Latakia, and called on the de facto government to protect all civilians, including religious and ethnic minorities.
He stressed that Syria’s security, well-being and compliance with international law- including the law of the UNCLOS- EIt is crucial to the stability of the whole Middle East.
Our country reaffirmed its commitment in the section, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria And he called on the Security Council to use today’s juncture to make substantial progress on the issue of chemical weapons.
“Greece condemns in the most intense way every use of chemical weapons, from any state or not, anywhere and under any circumstances and emphasizes the need for all those who used such weapons to be held accountable.” The Greek permanent representative said speaking to the UN Security Council.
Mr. Sekeris emphasized in his placement:
1. Restoration of trust and cooperation with OPCW
– Greece welcomes the visit of the OPCW General Manager to Syria on February 8, describing it as a crucial first step in restoring confidence and cooperation between the organization and the de facto Syrian government.
– Greece also recognizes the meeting of Syrian Foreign Minister, Assad Hassan al-Shabani, with OPCW and his commitment to eliminate the remaining chemical weapons.
However, Greece calls on Syria to work together constructively and in good faith with the OPCW secretariat to close the 19 pending chemical weapons issues.
2. Slow progress in the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons
– The latest OPCW reports (December 2024 – February 2025) show that progress is slow and that no recent monthly reports have been received from Syria on its chemical weapons destruction activities.
– Syria has not yet complied with OPCW’s EC-94/Dec.2 decision, especially in the statement of all chemical weapons it still holds, including Sarin, the precursors of Sarin and chlorine that is not intended for peaceful purposes, as well as the facilities of chemicals.
Greece calls on the Council to remain united in the support of resolution 2118 (2013) and the international rule against the use of chemical weapons.
Source :Skai
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