OPCW calls Syrian regime to provide time-frame for chemical removal

The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Ahmet Uzumcu, Friday called for the acceleration of removal of chemicals from Syria, after reports that Damascus was delaying their shipment abroad. OPCW press release today said Uzumcu briefed the Executive Council on Thursday at the Hague on efforts underway to expedite the process of removing Syrian chemicals that have been identified for destruction outside Syrian territory. "While the two shipments (of chemicals) this month represent a start, the need for the process to pick up pace is obvious," said the Director-General. "Ways and means must be found to establish continuity and predictability of shipments to assure States Parties that the programme, while delayed, is not deferred", he noted. Uzumcu briefed the Council about his exchanges with senior Syrian officials in which he has underlined the need for a timeframe to be provided by the Syrian government for the removal of chemicals. The Syrian government, while expressing concerns about the current security situation, has reiterated its commitment to completing the programme and assured that it is working on a schedule for the transport and removal of the chemicals, according to the press release. The Director-General and the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke recently and agreed that the removal process must be accelerated. Yesterdays meeting took stock of the work of the OPCW-UN Joint Mission and the latest developments as reported by the Director-General in his recent monthly report and oral update. There was a shared sentiment in favour of more rapid progress given that the multinational effort in support of the removal and destruction programme has committed significant resources. The OPCW Council decided to reconvene on 21 February to continue its deliberations