UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has praised the ongoing cooperation between the Syrian authorities and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Speaking to the UN Security Council, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, stressed that the OPCW Technical Secretariat must continue to be supported in carrying out independent verification to eliminate suspected chemical weapons in Syria and mitigate any risks of proliferation. The 15-member Council was discussing ongoing international efforts to implement Resolution 2118 (2013), which called for the complete elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons programme.
Ambassador Jadoon reiterated Pakistan’s firm opposition to the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, under any circumstances. He emphasized that the Chemical Weapons Convention remains a cornerstone of the global disarmament framework and voiced Pakistan’s support for its universalization and full, non-discriminatory implementation.
Highlighting the challenges involved, the Pakistani envoy underlined the need to enhance capacities and extend cooperation to Syrian authorities in addressing obstacles related to suspected sites, institutional constraints, and the limited technological experience of Syrian teams in handling, transporting, and storing chemical munitions.
He commended countries, particularly Turkiye and Qatar, that have assisted Syrian authorities in building capacity and strengthening institutional capabilities.
Ambassador Jadoon expressed hope that the continued positive engagement between the OPCW Technical Secretariat and Syrian authorities would build on current momentum, resolve outstanding issues, and bring the chemical weapons file to a timely closure.–APP
