Syria begins destroying chemical weapon materials in break with Assad era

Syria has initiated the destruction of chemical weapons materials, marking a significant shift from the Assad era, according to the country's UN envoy Ibrahim Olabi. Speaking to the UN Security Council, Olabi emphasized that this action represents the first of its kind to destroy chemical materials on Syrian soil in over a decade, following the regime's fall in December 2024.

He described Syria's cooperation with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons as a "profound political transformation" in the nation's approach to maintaining international standards.

Over a decade ago, Syria's chemical weapons program became emblematic of the civil war's brutality, with the regime's use of banned agents like sarin and chlorine gas resulting in the deaths and injuries of thousands of civilians. Olabi highlighted that securing chemical weapons sites and identifying munitions not only eliminates a threat to Syria but also to the entire world.

He stressed that these actions are crucial steps towards ensuring the first court hearing for the use of such weapons, aimed at preventing impunity for past violations.

In response, Russia's UN ambassador Vasily Nebenzya criticized the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for politicizing its investigation into Syria. Nebenzya questioned findings linking the former Assad regime to chemical weapons violations, arguing that Moscow, a longtime ally of Assad, supports resolving outstanding issues related to Syria's initial declaration under the Chemical Weapons Convention.

He accused the OPCW's technical secretariat of prolonging the process for over a decade, suggesting that the focus is on accusing the former government of crimes with chemical weapons. Nebenzya expressed "reasonable doubts" about the findings attributed to the Syrian government in OPCW monthly reports, insisting that any statements must be supported by clear and verifiable evidence.