Foreign Ministry signs agreements with UN and OPCW on joint mission for CW disposal

The Foreign and Expatriates Ministry on Wednesday signed with the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) an agreement regarding the legal center of the joint mission for the disposal of Syria’s chemical weapons.
The Ministry also signed with the UN and the OPCW a memo of understanding on securing medical services and medical evacuation services to the joint mission in cases of emergency.
In statements to journalists following the signing, Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Dr. Fayssal Mikdad stressed that Syria is moving forward with determination, strength and credibility towards full implementation of the agreements signed with the UN and the OPCW, and that these agreements are part of the responsible actions taken by Syria since it voluntarily joined the Chemical Weapons Prohibition Treaty.
Mikdad said that the standing cooperation between Syria and the OPCW is exemplary, and that it’s moving towards fulfilling all obligations in cooperation with the UN, lauding the efforts exerted by UN and OPCW representatives and Foreign Ministry staff to sign these two agreements.
“Difficulties facing Syria, particularly in the framework of the country’s war on terrorism, could hinder the implementation of some commitments from time to time,” Mikdad said, adding that the countries which are backing the armed terrorist groups must realize that they are committing crimes against humanity.
He stressed that there is no room for leniency at all when it comes to transporting the chemical weapons outside Syria, and that the Syrian government is fully committed to the success of this process as per the basis agreed upon with the UN.
The agreements were signed by Syria’s Permanent Representative to the UN Dr. Bashar al-Jaafari, and by Abdullah Fadel representing the UN, and Julian Tangaere representing the OPCW.