Summary of the French Statement to the UN Security Council on SyriaS Chemical Weapons Program (2025/2026)
This statement, delivered by France to the UN Security Council, focuses on the progress and remaining challenges in the chemical disarmament of Syria, framed within the context of the political transition outlined in Security Council Resolution 2254. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Positive Developments (2025):
* Cooperation with OPCW: A dynamic of cooperation began between Syria and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
* OPCW Deployments: OPCW teams conducted deployments,including a team investigating chemical weapons use (now part of the Special Operations Office).
* New Syrian Ambassador to OPCW: Syria appointed a new ambassador to the OPCW in The Hague,signaling a commitment to engagement.
* Commitment to Disarmament: Syrian transitional authorities expressed commitment to complete and verifiable elimination of their chemical weapons program.
* Potential Restoration of rights: France supported a decision allowing the OPCW Executive Council to potentially restore Syria’s rights and privileges as a State Party (suspended in 2021), contingent on progress.
Significant Challenges:
* Incomplete Declaration: Syria’s initial declaration regarding its chemical weapons program remains inaccurate and incomplete due to omissions by the Assad regime. 19 questions remain unanswered, potentially concerning significant chemical agent stocks. Around 100 undeclared sites are suspected of involvement.
* Loss of Expertise: the Assad regime never willingly dismantled its program, leading to fragmented knowledge and a lack of available expertise for complete elimination. This makes the process significantly more complex.
* Economic & financial Needs: Syria faces major economic and financial challenges, complicating the disarmament process.
France’s Key Stresses & Calls for Action:
* Continued Syrian cooperation: Syrian authorities must fully cooperate with the OPCW. France will remain vigilant.
* International Support: The international community must provide resolute technical and financial support to help Syria fulfill its obligations and overcome the unique challenges.
* Financial Contribution: France demonstrated its support by contributing to the OPCW’s special fund for syria in 2025.
* Conditional Reintegration: Restoration of Syria’s rights and privileges within the international community is contingent on continued progress in cooperation with the OPCW and the elimination of its chemical weapons.
Overall Tone:
The statement is cautiously optimistic. While acknowledging positive steps, it emphasizes the significant hurdles remaining and stresses the need for continued pressure, cooperation, and international support to achieve complete chemical disarmament in Syria.it clearly places the onus on the syrian authorities to demonstrate genuine commitment and openness.