Syria’s Foreign Minister to Attend Historic OPCW Meeting in The Hague

Asaad al-Shaibani, Syria’s Foreign Minister, will attend a historic OPCW meeting, marking Syria’s first participation in the council since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. His involvement symbolizes Syria’s renewed commitment to international security in the wake of significant allegations of chemical weapon use during the civil war. The OPCW remains vigilant about potential undisclosed stockpiles and the consequences of military actions on evidence integrity.

Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, announced his participation in a significant meeting of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) held in the Netherlands. This event occurs nearly three months following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Shaibani expressed, “Today, for the first time in Syria’s history, I am attending the executive council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague.”

He further stated that this engagement reflects Syria’s commitment to international security and pays tribute to the victims who tragically lost their lives due to the actions of the Assad regime. Throughout Syria’s protracted civil war, Assad has faced numerous allegations of deploying chemical weapons, contributing to heightened concerns regarding the status of Syria’s declared chemical stockpile since his removal on December 8.

Syria previously agreed to surrender its reported chemical stockpile for destruction over a decade ago. Nonetheless, the OPCW has consistently expressed unease regarding potential omissions in Syria’s disclosures, suspecting more chemical weapons remain unaccounted for. In recent developments, OPCW chief Fernando Arias conducted a pivotal visit to Damascus last month, meeting Syria’s new leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa.

Arias described the visit as “a reset,” indicating that there is a significant opportunity for Syria to move forward after years of obstruction under the prior government. The OPCW has also voiced apprehensions that essential evidence may have been lost amid intensive Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian military assets following Assad’s fall. Israel confirmed that it targeted suspected chemical weapons sites to prevent such arsenals from being seized by extremist groups.

The participation of Syria’s Foreign Minister in the OPCW meeting signifies a historic moment for the nation, marking a potential transition toward greater compliance with international chemical weapons regulations. As the new Syrian leadership engages with the OPCW, there is hope for resolving outstanding issues related to the country’s chemical weapons stockpile. However, concerns persist regarding incomplete declarations and the impact of external military actions on evidence preservation.

Original Source: www.newarab.com