INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
TEHRAN- Amir Saeed Iravani, the Permanent Representative of Iran to the UN, on Tuesday slammed several Western nations for aiding and
countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, bear a responsibility for supporting and collaborating with the
The use of such lethal weapons is a flagrant violation of international law, constitutes a crime against humanity, and poses a serious
threat to international peace and security.Iran has tragically been one of the primary victims of chemical weapons
On June 28, 1987, the city of Sardasht in Iran endured a devastating chemical weapons attack, leading to the immense suffering and loss of
innocent civilians, including women and children.Western countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, bear a
responsibility for supporting and collaborating with the Saddam regime during Iraq's war against Iran
Their complicity enabled the systematic use of chemical weapons against the Iranian people, an act that should not be forgotten.The silence
or active participation of Western countries in these atrocities undermined the pursuit of justice and revealed blatant double standards
This also hindered the UN Security Council's ability to fulfill its responsibilities and hold perpetrators accountable for such heinous
crimes.The Syrian Arab Republic remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention
In alignment with this commitment, the Syrian government has maintained a constructive and cooperative approach towards the Organization for
the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).The Secretariat report confirms that all 27 declared chemical weapons production facilities
(CWPFs) in Syria have been successfully destroyed
To ensure transparency and accountability, Syria has been regularly submitting monthly reports on the progress of chemical weapons
dismantlement.In May and June 2023, Syria submitted its 114th and 115th monthly reports to the OPCW Director-General, providing details of
the activities carried out to dismantle chemical weapons and their production facilities
Moreover, Syria has facilitated two visits by a reduced team from the Declaration Assessment Team (DAT) to Damascus this year
During these visits, the Syrian National Authority extended its full cooperation by allowing access to sites, collecting samples, and
conducting interviews with witnesses.In line with the suggestion made by the Syrian National Authority, a separate meeting with a
higher-level DAT was held in Beirut at the end of the last month, demonstrating Syria's commitment to engagement and
cooperation.Additionally, the Syrian National Authority has agreed to extend the tripartite agreement between the Syrian Arab Republic, the
OPCW technical secretariat, and the United Nations Office for Project Services
This extension, effective until the 31st of December this year, aims to facilitate the tasks and activities of the OPCW in Syria.Through
these actions, Syria is actively demonstrating its dedication to fulfilling its obligations and cooperating with the OPCW in the pursuit of
the complete eradication of chemical weapons within its territory.We fully support promoting constructive dialogue between Syria and the
OPCW at the highest level, setting a specific timeframe to address any remaining issues and bring the file to a final and conclusive closure
Such an approach will ensure transparency, accountability, and a satisfactory resolution to all outstanding matters related to chemical
In this context, we applaud Syria's determination to convene such a high-level meeting.The integrity and credibility of the OPCW, as an
international body, hinge on its ability to remain neutral and objective, guided solely by scientific and technical considerations
This approach is essential in effectively preventing the use of chemical weapons and advancing the goals of the Convention.Furthermore, any
investigation must be impartial, professional, reliable, and objective
Such investigations must fully adhere to the requirements and procedures outlined in the Convention.To effectively address unresolved issues
and maintain the technical nature of discussions, it is crucial to avoid politicizing the matter and employing double standards
By doing so, we can work towards justice, accountability, and the prevention of further atrocities.
