OPCW Delegation Visits Damascus to Discuss Chemical Weapons Elimination with New Syrian Leadership

A New Chapter for Chemical Weapons Control in Syria

Following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, a delegation from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) visited Damascus for the first time since 2022. This historic visit marked a significant step towards re-establishing a direct working relationship between the OPCW and the new Syrian leadership.

The OPCW delegation, led by Director-General Fernando Arias, met with President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. The discussions focused on Syria's responsibilities under the Chemical Weapons Convention and the support the OPCW could offer in eliminating the remnants of Syria's chemical weapons program.

The fate of Syria's stockpile of toxic chemicals had been a major concern following Assad's overthrow. The OPCW delegation emphasized the importance of compliance with rules to safeguard and destroy dangerous substances, including chlorine gas. They also expressed concerns about potential contamination or destruction of evidence due to Israeli airstrikes on former Syrian military sites.

The OPCW's visit to Syria is a crucial step towards ensuring the complete elimination of chemical weapons in the country. The organization's technical experts hope to make contact with their Syrian counterparts and resume inspections to verify the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons program. This collaboration is essential for ensuring a safer future for the Syrian people and the international community.