Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani will participate in an OPCW meeting, marking a significant moment post-Assad regime. His involvement highlights Syria’s commitment to international security while raising concerns about chemical weapon stockpiles and the destruction of evidence amid Israeli bombing. This development follows fresh communications between the OPCW and Syria’s new leadership.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani announced his participation in a pivotal meeting of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague. This meeting comes almost three months after the removal of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Al-Shaibani remarked, “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 emphasized that this involvement underscores Syria’s dedication to international security and pays tribute to those who tragically lost their lives due to the actions of the Assad regime. Throughout the lengthy civil conflict, Assad faced numerous allegations regarding the use of chemical weapons, heightening anxieties concerning the status of Syria’s chemical stockpile since his ouster on December 8.
Syria previously committed to relinquishing its declared stockpile for destruction over a decade ago. However, the OPCW has maintained that there are concerns regarding the completeness of this declaration and the potential existence of additional conventional weapons. In a significant stride, OPCW leader Fernando Arias visited Syria’s new leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, in Damascus, marking the first such visit since the regime’s fall due to Islamist-led rebels.
Arias expressed optimism stating that this visit represents “a reset” for relations between Syria and the OPCW and noted that there is a potential for the current authorities to rectify the challenges faced after years of obstruction.
Concerns remain, particularly about the possible destruction of critical evidence amid the significant Israeli bombings targeting Syrian military infrastructures, which reportedly included sites linked to chemical weapons. Israel aimed to thwart the potential transfer of these assets to extremist factions.
In conclusion, the participation of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in the OPCW meeting signifies a historic moment for Syria, reflecting its commitment to international security. With hopes of addressing the incomplete declaration of chemical stockpiles, this meeting may lead to a pivotal shift in Syria’s approach to chemical weapons oversight. Nonetheless, concerns regarding evidence destruction from Israeli airstrikes complicate the OPCW’s ongoing mission.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
