UNSC briefing on Syria (Chemical Weapons)

[Monday, 5 December 2022; 1500 hrs EST/0130 hrs IST 6 Dec]

Approved India Remarks

        I would like to deliver the following brief statement in my national capacity. First, let me thank Under Secretary General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu for the update.

2. We note with regret that the recent communication between the focal points of Syria and OPCW Technical Secretariat regarding a possible meeting has not fructified. We continue to encourage sustained engagement between Syria and the OPCW Technical Secretariat to resolve all outstanding issues.

3. We believe discussions on Syria Chemical Weapons should reflect progress on the ground. However, there has been no forward movement on the issue for several months. As a result, UNSC member states often continue to repeat their well-known positions.

4. India attaches high importance to the Chemical Weapons Convention and stands for its full, effective, and non-discriminatory implementation. 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.

5. We continue to caution against the possibility of terrorist entities and individuals gaining access to chemical weapons, including in the region. Therefore, any allegation of use of chemical weapons needs to be dealt with utmost attention.

6. To conclude, India continues to believe that progress on other tracks would also help in facilitating overall political peace process in Syria, as advocated in UNSCR 2254.

                 I now resume my duties as the President.