Iran Calls on UN to Seriously Pursue Banning Chemical Weapons

“If those involved in the chemical bombing of Sardasht and Halabja had been sentenced in courts, we would have not been witnessing the use of chemical weapons by certain countries today,” General Jalali said, addressing the Fourth National Conference on Chemical Defense held simultaneous with the chemical attack on Sardasht and Halabja.

He pointed out that although human rights and respect for human life are discussed across the world, chemical weapons are unfortunately used to secure the interests of the arrogant powers, and said, “This proves that the international conventions have no deterrent power.”

General Jalali criticized the westerners for their support for use of chemical weapons across the globe, despite the slogans for the protection of human rights.

“It is very important to produce equipment that protects us against chemical threats, and we need to have strong industries in this field,” he added.

Sardasht is a city in Northwestern Iran. According to the 2006 census, its population was 37,000. It lies in the West Azarbaijan province. It was the first city in which civilians were attacked with chemical weapons by former Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein during the imposed Iraqi war on Iran.

The population of Sardasht is Kurdish. The city is also known for the many villages around it and their reliability on the city’s market.

On June 28, 1987, Iraqi aircraft dropped what Iranian authorities believed to be mustard gas bombs on Sardasht, in two separate bombing runs on four residential areas.

Sardasht was the first town in the world to be gassed. Out of a population of 20,000, 25% are still suffering severe illnesses from the attacks.

Tens of thousands of Iranians were killed and wounded by chemical weapons during the 1980-1988 Iraqi imposed war on Iran. Around 100,000 Iranians are still living with the effects, which include long-term respiratory problems, eye and skin problems as well as immune system disorders, psychological disorders, genetic disorders, and probably cancers.