Mr. President
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and my own country, Algeria.
We thank Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, for her briefing. We also welcome the participation in this meeting of the representatives of the Syrian Arab Republic and Türkiye.
At the outset, the A3+ reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The A3+ also condemns the use of chemical weapons anywhere, by anyone, and under any circumstances.
We note with satisfaction the continued progress in the implementation of resolution 2118 (2013) and recognize the significantly enhanced cooperation between Syria and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
The Director-General’s visit to Damascus in February 2025, the reorganization of the conduct of the Secretariat’s activities through the Office of Special Missions in June 2025, and the signing of the agreement on privileges and immunities for OPCW personnel on 16 June 2025 are all emblematic of the improved cooperation between Syria and the OPCW.
We welcome the successful OPCW deployments in March, April, and June 2025, marked by unprecedented access, cooperation and the successful collection of new documents and samples which were previously unrevealed.
The A3+ commends Qatar’s continued instrumental role in representing Syrian interests before the OPCW. We also acknowledge the Syrian authorities’ submission of a Concept Plan for the destruction and verification of remaining chemical weapons on 29 July 2025.
We urge the continued support of the international community to the Syrian authorities as it advances implementation of the Plan.
In a related positive step, we welcome the lifting of comprehensive sanctions by major international partners and Syria’s renewed eligibility for support from international financial institutions. This development will be crucial for the country’s reconstruction efforts.
The A3+ supports the ongoing work of the OPCW’s Technical Secretariat, in close collaboration with the Syrian authorities, in addressing the 19 outstanding issues involving quantities of potentially undeclared chemical warfare agents and munitions. We urge all parties to approach these outstanding issues with the utmost seriousness, working collaboratively and transparently to address the gaps and ensure full compliance with the CWC.
Furthermore, the A3+ acknowledges that over 100 additional locations may have been involved in chemical weapons activities. The OPCW’s comprehensive approach, through the Office of Special Missions, in close collaboration with the Syrian authorities, represents an appropriate way to address this.
Mr. President
Progress is complicated by a deteriorating security situation. The A3+ is deeply concerned about the Israeli aggressions including the airstrikes of 16 July 2025 targeting Damascus, which forced the postponement of OPCW deployment and undermined the ongoing efforts.
We condemn all Israeli aggressions in the strongest terms and insist on an immediate halt to all aggressions against Syria’s territory. Syria’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity must be respected and civilians should not be put at risk.
The continued threats posed by Da’esh, remain a significant concern. We stress the importance of preventing chemical weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists.
Finally, we underline that sustainable progress on chemical weapons elimination requires:
- Immediate cessation of all military aggression against Syria;
- Full and sustained cooperation between Syrian authorities and the OPCW;
- Adequate international funding and technical support;
- Protection of civilians and strict adherence to international humanitarian law.
We encourage continued dialogue and cooperation between Syria and the OPCW, with appropriate international support, to permanently close this file.
I thank you.