UNSC Ambassador: Full Destruction of Syria’s Chemical Weapons Essential for Regional Stability

Ambassador Dorothy Shea at the UN Security Council, addressing the issue of Syria’s chemical weapons program.
Ambassador Dorothy Shea at the UN Security Council, addressing the issue of Syria’s chemical weapons program.

By Kardo Roj

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea told the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday that the complete and verifiable destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons program is crucial to regional security and stability.

Shea emphasized that eliminating these weapons would prevent their use in terrorism and ensure compliance with international disarmament agreements. Her remarks come amid renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve Syria’s long-standing chemical weapons issue.

Last month, Syria’s transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met with a delegation from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), led by Director-General Fernando Arias.

Arias described his visit to Damascus as an opportunity for a “fresh start” in resolving the issue, which had been a point of international contention during the rule of ousted President Bashar al-Assad.

Despite Syria’s formal accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in 2013, multiple reports by the OPCW and Western governments have accused Damascus of failing to fully declare and destroy its stockpiles. Allegations of chemical attacks have persisted, further complicating Syria’s diplomatic standing on the global stage.

Shea underscored that full compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a necessary step toward restoring Syria’s international legitimacy.

As diplomatic negotiations continue, international monitors are pushing for enhanced verification measures to ensure full dismantlement of any remaining chemical capabilities in Syria.

Experts believe that closing this chapter could pave the way for broader diplomatic engagements, particularly regarding sanctions relief and Syria’s reintegration into regional frameworks.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Syria’s transitional government can fully resolve this issue and move toward normalizing its relations with the international community.