UNODA says discrepancies in Syria’s chemical weapons use persist
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Deputy to the High Representative of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) told UN Security Council on Friday that gaps and discrepancies persist in Syria’s dossier on use of chemical weapons.
Adedeji Ebo said that consultation between the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the Syrian government have taken place but more cooperation is needed from the government to resolve outstanding issues.
“After a gap of more than two and a half years, the twenty-fifth round of consultations between the Declaration Assessment Team of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the Syrian National Authority took place from 30 October to 5 November,” he said.
The UN official added that after the consultations, the Syrian government provided, via a note verbale, explanations to the results of analysis of samples collected by the Team during the limited in-country visit.
He pointed out Syria’s full cooperation with the OPCW Technical Secretariat is crucial to resolve all outstanding issues.
Ebo said that at this time the Technical Secretariat assesses that the “declaration submitted by Syria still cannot be considered accurate and complete in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention.”
Meanwhile, the US representative stressed that the “Assad regime” has not abided by the Convention’s obligations, adding that its chemical weapons program still poses a threat to international peace and security.
Moreover, France’s delegate said the Syrian government must meet its Convention obligations in order to regain its rights and privileges under that instrument. She welcomed the decision adopted at the twenty-eighth Conference of the States Parties that calls on all states to prevent transfer of toxic chemicals and equipment for the manufacturing of dual-purpose chemical products.
On the other hand, the representative of UK said the Assessment Team’s limited sampling in April showed the Syrian government’s disregard for the Chemical Weapons Convention. This limited concession does not compensate for its non-compliance with the Convention.
On Aug. 21, 2013, rockets loaded with sarin warheads were launched into eastern Ghouta, east of the Syrian capital, Damascus. Cooler weather allowed the nerve gas to permeate into lower levels of buildings as it spread there.
More than 1,400 people, including women and children, were killed in the attack, which the Syrian government still denies being involved in.