A delegation from the OPCW visited Syria to meet its new leaders after Assad’s fall, focusing on the management of toxic chemical stockpiles. The meeting addresses concerns surrounding chemical weapons use in the ongoing conflict and the implications of recent military actions. This marks the first OPCW visit to Syria since 2022, aiming to establish protocols for chemical weapon safety and compliance.
A delegation from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has arrived in Damascus to engage with Syria’s new leaders for the first time since the overthrow of former President Bashar Assad. This visit marks a significant moment following nearly 14 years of civil conflict, during which the regime was accused of utilizing chemical weapons against its own people.
Syria joined the OPCW in 2013 amidst concerns over potential military action in response to chemical attacks near Damascus. Despite this, Assad’s administration consistently denied the use of chemical munitions. Furthermore, the OPCW identified the Islamic State’s use of mustard gas in Marea last year, highlighting ongoing chemical threats in the region.
The delegation, consisting of technical experts, aims to establish communication with their Syrian counterparts, meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. Since Assad’s demise, Qatar’s embassy in The Hague has facilitated interactions between the OPCW and the new Syrian leadership.
In light of concerns regarding Syria’s stockpile of toxic chemicals, the OPCW convened an emergency meeting shortly after the regime’s collapse. They emphasized the necessity for the new leaders to follow established procedures for the management and destruction of hazardous materials, including chlorine gas.
OPCW officials also raised alarms about recent Israeli airstrikes on former Syrian army bases potentially leading to contamination or loss of evidence related to chemical weapon stocks. Member states are obligated to declare and dismantle their chemical weapon capabilities to uphold international safety.
The OPCW has a history of addressing Syria’s chemical weapons program. Although initial efforts made progress in recording Syria’s arsenal of banned substances, relations with the Assad government have since soured, hindering further inspections. The current delegation’s visit is the first since 2022 and opens a new chapter for OPCW engagement in Syria.
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is an intergovernmental organization that aims to eliminate chemical weapons internationally. Following the chemical attacks in Syria during the civil war, the OPCW started investigating the Assad government’s use of these weapons after Syria joined the OPCW in 2013. Chemical weapons pose significant threats to civilians and have triggered numerous international responses, including military intervention and sanctions. The Syrian civil war has also seen various groups, including ISIS, utilizing chemical weapons, complicating the geopolitical landscape.
The OPCW’s recent visit to Syria marks a critical step in addressing the use of chemical weapons following the overthrow of President Assad. The new leadership is faced with the challenge of managing and eradicating hazardous chemical stockpiles while navigating the geopolitical dynamics of the region. As the OPCW continues its efforts to verify compliance with international chemical weapon prohibitions, cooperation from the Syrian authorities will be essential for progress in dismantling chemical arsenals and ensuring safety.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
