WANA (Sep 05) – Iravani stated: “As a major victim of chemical weapons, the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, and under any circumstances.”

 

The ambassador and permanent representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran delivered these remarks during a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East (Syria – Chemical Weapons), emphasizing the condemnation of the use of such weapons.

 

The full text of Iravani’s remarks is as follows:

 

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

 

Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to congratulate Slovenia for assuming the presidency of the Security Council this month. We also extend our appreciation to Sierra Leone for its successful presidency in August. We welcome the presence of Mr. Adedeji Ebo, Director and Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, at today’s meeting.

 

Mr. President,

The Syrian Arab Republic, as a committed member of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), continues to adhere to its obligations under this convention and maintains close cooperation with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). We recognize the vital importance of the Syrian government’s efforts in fulfilling its obligations under the convention.

 

We welcome Syria’s monthly reports, the latest being report number 129, which covers relevant activities in the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic over the past three months. We look forward to the continued cooperation between Syria and the facilitation of the 27th round of consultations between the Declaration Assessment Team (DAT) and Syria’s National Authority from May 21 to 30, 2024.

 

Syria’s National Authority has also welcomed the holding of the 28th round of consultations between its experts and the Declaration Assessment Team after September 10, on mutually agreeable dates for both parties.

 

Additionally, Syria’s 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 for another six months to facilitate the tasks and activities of the OPCW in Syria.

 

Mr. President,

We believe that the OPCW must be able to carry out its duties impartially, professionally, and objectively to determine the facts and provide evidence-based conclusions. This is in the interest of the Convention, the OPCW, the rule of law, and the preservation of international peace and security. The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its full support for the Chemical Weapons Convention and calls for its full, effective, and non-discriminatory implementation.

 

Mr. President,

Regrettably, in recent years, this Council and the OPCW have witnessed systematic abuse by certain member states of the mechanisms of these institutions to advance their political agendas at any cost. Relying on baseless accusations, they misuse these institutions against the Syrian government, disregarding the progress Syria has made in fulfilling its commitments.

 

We share the common concern expressed today about the inefficiency of holding Council meetings on this issue, as there is a clear lack of substantial progress or significant developments.

 

This trend, which has undermined the authority of the Convention and jeopardized the credibility of the OPCW, must come to an end.

 

In this regard, we refer to the letter dated July 18, 2024, from the Berlin Group 21, which includes UN and academic experts. This letter, addressed to all States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Security Council, and the UN Secretary-General, provides further evidence of serious shortcomings within the OPCW Technical Secretariat and underscores the dangers of politicizing this organization.

 

We support the continued constructive dialogue between Syria and the OPCW to address outstanding issues and bring this file to a conclusion. This approach is crucial to ensuring transparency, accountability, and the satisfactory resolution of all pending matters. The Islamic Republic of Iran, as an active member of the OPCW, stresses the fundamental importance of ensuring the independent, impartial, and professional work of this organization. This is especially significant in relation to issues concerning the implementation of obligations by member states, including the Syrian Arab Republic.

 

In conclusion, as a major victim of chemical weapons, the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, and under any circumstances. Every effort must be made to prevent the re-use of these horrific weapons. Iran is deeply concerned about the threat posed by terrorist groups acquiring chemical weapons and emphasizes the need for stronger international cooperation to address this threat to global peace and security.