New York: Izumi Nakamitsu, the Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, stated that the new political situation in Syria presents an opportunity for the country to normalize its relations with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Nakamitsu made these remarks during a Security Council session held on Friday to discuss the implementation of UNSC Resolution 2118, which focuses on addressing Syria’s chemical weapons program.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Nakamitsu emphasized the importance of the current situation in Syria as a chance to ensure the nation’s long-term compliance with the chemical weapons convention. She noted that Damascus has already begun taking steps in this direction.
Nakamitsu highlighted the existence of 19 unresolved cases concerning Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles. She expressed concerns about the chaotic situation left behind by the previous regime in this field. Furthermore, she welcomed the declaration by the new authorities in Damascus to dismantle the remaining chemical arms.