Director-General Visits Libya for High-Level Meetings on Destruction Plans for Chemical Weapons

30 May 2012

The Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, visited Tripoli on 27 and 28 May 2012 where he met the Libyan Foreign Minister, H.E. Ashour Saad Ben Khaial, and the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Muhammad Abdul Aziz. 

The meetings were marked by productive discussions on Libya’s planning and preparations to complete the destruction of its remaining stockpile of chemical weapons. The Director General praised the transparency and openness demonstrated by the Libyan Government and welcomed their constructive and cooperative approach. 

The Libyan authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to eradicate the remaining stockpiles of chemical weapons in the shortest possible time, and expressed appreciation for the support of the OPCW Technical Secretariat and assistance provided by some OPCW States Parties. Both sides agreed to continue to coordinate closely on these operations and to work with other OPCW States Parties. 

While in Tripoli the Director-General also held meetings with members of Libya’s National Authority, and with H.E. Ian Martin, Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya.