Executive Council Briefed on UN Secretary-General’s Request to Assist Investigation of Alleged Use of Chemical Weapons in Syria

The Executive Council of the OPCW met today and the Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, informed the Council members about the request he has received from the Secretary-General of the United Nations to assist in the conduct of a UN investigation on the possible use of chemical weapons in Syria. 

The Director-General informed the Council that this request is consistent with paragraph 27 of Part XI of the Verification Annexof the Convention and sub-paragraph 2(c) of the Relationship Agreement between the OPCW and the UN.

The Director-General briefed the Council on his continuing contacts with the UN and the preparations being undertaken by the OPCW Technical Secretariat to participate in the investigation mission. He emphasized that paramount importance is being attached to obtaining assurances regarding the safety and security of the OPCW personnel to be deployed.

The Chairperson of the Council, Ambassador Bhaswati Mukherjee of India, read out a statement [PDF – 7.4 KB] expressing deep concern that chemical weapons may have been used in the Syrian Arab Republic. She underlined that the use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances would be reprehensible and completely contrary to the legal norms and standards of the international community.

Her statement also expressed unequivocal support for the investigation of the UN Secretary-General with the support of the OPCW, and called upon all parties in the Syrian Arab Republic to extend their full cooperation to the investigation and to ensure that the investigation team is able to complete its work safely and effectively.