Pakistan has called for independent verification to ensure the complete elimination of suspected chemical weapons in Syria, while welcoming Damascus's ongoing cooperation with global watchdogs. The statement was made during a crucial United Nations Security Council meeting focused on Syria's chemical weapons dossier.
Pakistan's Stance at the UN Security Council
Addressing the 15-member Council, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Pakistan's Acting Permanent Representative to the UN, underscored the importance of closing the Syrian chemical weapons file swiftly. He emphasized that this must be done in full compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and relevant Security Council resolutions.
"We look forward to their continued cooperation... to close the Syrian chemical weapons file as soon as possible," Ambassador Jadoon stated. He highlighted a critical point raised by the OPCW Technical Secretariat: the need to bridge the gap between what Syria is required to provide and the actual capacity at its disposal.
Challenges and the Path Forward
The Pakistani envoy pointed out that Syria's security situation remains severely affected by Israel's military occupation of parts of its territory and continued airstrikes. These actions, he noted, have also impeded the technical work of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Pakistan expressed appreciation for the Syrian authorities' commitment to fully implement the CWC and secure suspected weapons sites. Simultaneously, Islamabad reaffirmed its firm opposition to the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, and under any circumstances.
Ambassador Jadoon also reiterated Pakistan's support for Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, describing these as essential for lasting peace. He backed an inclusive, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process.
The OPCW's Assessment and International Support
At the meeting, Adedeji Ebo, Director and Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, informed the Council that since 2014, the OPCW has been unable to verify the accuracy of Syria's initial chemical weapons declaration.
He reported that Syria's new government is now cooperating with the OPCW Technical Secretariat to clarify the full scope of its past program. This investigation includes more than 100 additional sites beyond the 26 originally declared locations, with some sites situated in dangerous areas posing risks to inspection teams.
While welcoming this "commendable" cooperation, Ebo stressed a "critical opportunity" now exists to obtain long-overdue clarifications and eliminate all chemical weapons. He urged Council members to "show leadership" and provide sustained international support, a call echoed by Pakistan's representative.
"Continued international support to Syria and the Technical Secretariat, therefore, remains critically important," Ambassador Jadoon concluded, framing it as a necessary step for regional and global security.
