General Assembly Security Council

UNSC briefing/consultations on Syria (chemical weapons)

(Wednesday, 8th December 2021; 1000 hrs EST/ 2030 IST)

 

INDIA STATEMENT

By

Mr. Pratik Mathur

Counsellor

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Mr. President, we would like to thank Under Secretary General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu for her update.

 

2. We have taken note of the contents of the latest 98th monthly report by DG-OPCW submitted to this Council pursuant to UNSCR 2118. We also note Syria’s submission of its monthly report. We would like both OPCW and Syria to work constructively to resolve relevant issues expeditiously.

 

3. The CWC is a unique, non-discriminatory disarmament instrument for elimination of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction. India attaches high importance to the CWC, and stands for its full, effective and non-discriminatory implementation.  We support the collective efforts by all to ensure that the credibility and integrity of this Convention is maintained to the fullest.

 

4. India is against the use of chemical weapons by anybody, anywhere, at any time and under any circumstances. India has consistently maintained that any investigation into the use of chemical weapons must be impartial, credible, and objective, following scrupulously the provisions and procedure embedded in the Convention, and in conformity with the delicate balance of power and responsibility enshrined under it to establish facts and reach evidence-based conclusions.

 

5. As a member of the Council, India has been repeatedly cautioning against the possibility of terrorist entities and individuals gaining access to chemical weapons, including such entities in the region. The latest report of UNITAD has also brought out these connections. These linkages are a  cause for concern and need to be acted upon.

 

6. Lastly, Mr. President, we believe that technical issues such as Syria’s chemical weapons file need to be dealt in an objective manner. Progress on these matters could potentially help the political track positively.

 

I thank you.

 

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