Statement on behalf of A3+ (Algeria, Guyana, Mozambique, Sierra Leone)
Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this joint statement on behalf of the A3+, namely: Guyana, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and my own country, Algeria.
We thank Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs for the briefing and we listened carefully to the representative of the Civil Society. We welcome the participation in this meeting of the representatives of the Syrian Arab Republic, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Türkiye.
Mr. President,
The A3+ reiterates its firm belief that the use of chemical weapons anywhere, by anyone, and under any circumstances must be condemned. We remain committed to ensuring accountability for such actions under international law.
We have carefully reviewed the contents of the 134th monthly report of the OPCW, covering the period from 24 October to 23 November 2024. We also acknowledge the submission of the 132nd monthly report, dated 15 November, on progress achieved by the Syrian Arab Republic on the destruction of its chemical weapons.
Regarding the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, the A3+ notes with satisfaction that, in terms of the overall figure for destruction, 100% of declared chemical weapons had been destroyed as of 7th July 2023. In this regard, we welcome the completion of the destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles, including those declared by the Syrian Arab Republic.
While recalling the decisions of the Executive Council with respect to the elimination and destruction of Syrian chemical weapons, and the destruction of Syrian chemical weapons production facilities, the A3+ commends the substantive efforts made and the significant progress achieved in this regard. We also welcome the OPCW Director-General’s reports on the completion of the destruction of all chemical weapons and chemical weapon production facilities declared by the Syrian Arab Republic.
The A3+ acknowledges the ongoing collaboration between the Syrian Arab Republic and the Technical Secretariat, particularly the 28th round of consultations between the Declaration Assessment Team and the Syrian National Authority in Damascus. We note thatthe DAT is currently analyzing information gathered during these consultations, including documents, interviews, and explanations from Syrian experts.
We also note that Syria has recently provided explanations regarding sample analysis results on November 11, 2024, which are currently being assessed by the DAT .
The A3+ takes note of the completion of the eleventh round of inspections of the Barzah and Jamrayah facilities of the Scientific Studies and Research Centre (SSRC) from 12 to 20 November 2024.
We note that an agreement on a six-month extension of the Tripartite Agreement between the OPCW, UNOPS, and the Syrian Arab Republic is being finalized.
We remain committed to the imperative against the use of chemical weapons and to all efforts aimed at prohibiting their development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, transfer, or use. The A3+ reaffirms its continuing support for resolution 2118 (2013) and underscores the importance of its full implementation.
The A3+ looks forward to the continuation of the existing successful cooperation between the OPCW and the Syrian Arab Republic on all issues, in order to close this file permanently. We believe that through sustained dialogue and mutual understanding, further progress can be achieved in addressing the remaining concerns.
I thank you
