On 28 June 1987 the city of Sardasht was attacked with chemical weapons. This tragic event left a deadly legacy. Moreover, many people were exposed to the painful long-term effects of chemical weapons, in many cases with lasting disabilities. On the anniversary of this tragedy, I convey on behalf of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons sincere sympathies to the authorities and people of the city of Sardasht.
As we remember the victims of the attack on the city of Sardasht, let us reaffirm our resolve to rid our world permanently from the threat of chemical weapons. The Chemical Weapons Convention represents the collective resolve of the international community to bring an end to this terrible legacy. Therefore, we must also rededicate ourselves to preserving and strengthening the effective implementation of the Convention, as a guarantee that chemical weapons are never used again.