OPCW adopts a decision on reports of the Fact-Finding Mission

In a meeting today, the Executive Council of the OPCW adopted a decision [PDF – 18 KB] expressing its serious concern regarding the findings of the Fact-Finding Mission, made with a high degree of confidence, that chlorine had been used as a weapon in three villages in northern Syria from April to August 2014.  The Council reaffirmed its condemnation of the use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances. It emphasised that any use of chemical weapons anywhere at any time by anyone under any circumstances is unacceptable and would violate international law. The Council expressed its strong conviction that those individuals responsible for the use of chemical weapons should be held accountable.

The Executive Council also expressed support for the continuation of the work of the Fact Finding Mission and called upon all parties which will be addressed by the FFM to extend their full cooperation to the Mission to ensure that it completes its work safely and effectively.

The Director-General welcomed the commitment of States Parties to protect and strengthen the fundamental goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention. “This decision makes it absolutely clear that chemical weapons are illegal, and that their use will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” said Ambassador Üzümcü.