CWC States Parties deny Syrian government access to chemical weapons
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) on Thursday adopted measures that would to restrict chemical transfers to Syria.
This came during the 28th Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the CWC on Thursday, which resulted in the adoption of a decision concerning restricting states who do not comply with the convention.
This decision, put forward by 48 countries, highlights concerns regarding the Syrian government’s possession and use of chemical weapons, as well as its failure to comply with the Convention’s requirements.
The decision focuses on implementing Paragraph 3 of Article XII of the Convention, which outlines measures that States Parties can undertake to ensure compliance including the adoption of collective measures, in accordance with national laws, to prevent the transfer of certain chemical precursors, dual-use chemical manufacturing facilities, equipment, and related technology to Syria.
The decision also calls for support and assistance in criminal investigations and proceedings, including cooperation with the UN-established International, Impartial, and Independent Mechanism (IIIM).
The Conference has entrusted the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Fernando Arias, with issuing a copy of the decision to the UN General Assembly and UN Security Council, urging them to take appropriate action and advance accountability in response to the situation.