Statement on Syria Investigation
21 March 2013
The Secretary General of the United Nations has made an announcement that he wishes the OPCW to be part of an investigation into an incident which according to Syrian authorities might have involved the use of a chemical munition.
The OPCW stands ready to extend its full support to the Secretary-General.
While allegations of this nature are not new to conflict situations, they are nonetheless serious, especially in the context of Syria which is not a State Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention. This remains a matter of serious concern.
As indicated by the Secretary-General, a mission of this nature, especially given the security situation inside Syria, requires careful planning. The OPCW will work closely with the United Nations in the establishment and conduct of this mission.
Quote
“The Syrian acknowledge- ment clearly is worrying, but more worrying is the reference to possible use . . . Syria is not a party to the Chemical Weapons Convention, but it is a party to the Geneva (Protocol) of 1925 which prohibits the use of chemical and biological weapons. So they have a clear obligation not to use chemical weapons in any circumstances.”
- Excerpt from an interview with the Director-General on the Australia Network.The interview can be viewed here [Flash file].
(File may start to download. Requires a player like VLC to view).
