UNSC briefing on Syria (Chemical Weapons)

[Monday, 7 November 2022; 1000 hrs]

Remarks by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

Permanent Representative of India to the UN

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   Thank you, Mr. President. We thank Under Secretary General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu for the update.

2. The Council had a meeting on this topic just a few days back. We believe discussion on Syria Chemical Weapons should reflect progress on the ground, which unfortunately remains at a standstill for several months. As a result, we often repeat our well-known stated positions.

3. Throughout our present term on the Council, we have encouraged sustained engagement between Syria and the OPCW Technical Secretariat to resolve all outstanding issues. In this regard, we appreciate the recent communication between the focal points of Syria and Technical Secretariat regarding a possible meeting ahead.

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 have repeatedly cautioned 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 thank you, Mr. President.

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