The Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani will attend an OPCW meeting in The Hague, marking a historic participation following Bashar al-Assad’s regime’s ousting. His involvement highlights Syria’s commitment to international security amidst lingering concerns about chemical weapons. The OPCW’s director recently engaged with Syria’s new leadership, indicating a potential for improved cooperation in addressing these critical issues.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani is set to participate in a pivotal meeting of the international chemical weapons watchdog, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), in The Hague. His attendance comes almost three months following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Shaibani stated, “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 continued to affirm Syria’s dedication to international security and honored the victims of the regime’s actions, stating that his participation “reaffirms Syria’s commitment to international security and honours those who lost their lives suffocating at the hands of the Assad regime.” Throughout the Syrian conflict, Assad faced numerous accusations of employing chemical weapons, creating significant concern regarding Syria’s remaining stockpile after his ouster.
Historically, Syria agreed to surrender its declared stockpile for destruction. However, the OPCW has long suspected that this declaration was insufficient, potentially hiding unaccounted weapons. Recently, OPCW Director General Fernando Arias visited Damascus, where he met new Syrian leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, marking the first visit since the removal of Assad.
Arias described the visit as a significant opportunity for change, characterizing it as “a reset” and suggesting that the new authorities are positioned to improve relations after years of obstruction. The OPCW also expressed apprehension about possible destruction of crucial evidence due to extensive Israeli airstrikes on Syrian military locations following the regime’s collapse. Notably, Israel acknowledged targeting sites suspected of housing chemical weapons in efforts to prevent them from falling into extremist hands.
The upcoming meeting of the OPCW signifies a pivotal moment in Syria’s history, as the new regime seeks to address longstanding concerns over chemical weapons. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani’s participation underscores Syria’s commitment to international norms and could mark a new chapter in OPCW cooperation. As dialogue unfolds between the OPCW and Syrian authorities, the international community remains vigilant regarding the state of chemical weapons in the region.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
