OPCW head: Syria must be cleared from the chemical weapons

Director General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Ahmet Uzumcu said the presence of chemical weapons which was nearly 1,000 tons in Syria, was concerning both for Syrian people and the countries in the region. Following a conference in Washington, Uzumcu told AA that due to the lack of the membership of Syria to OPCW, the organization could not find an opportunity to inspect the chemical weapons in Syria. However, the reports mention a stock of nearly 1,000 tons of chemical weapons of various types such as nerve gas and mustard gas, said Uzumcu, and added that this was a concerning situation. What is important in current situation is to secure the weapons and prevent their use, he added. Reminding that OPCW supported the United Nations' research commission on alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria, Uzumcu said they sent 15 experts of the organization to the commission. "International community should put pressure on Syrian government Uzumcu said it would be the best solution if international community put pressure on the Syrian government to give up these weapons as soon as possible. Stating that he met some people who were exposed to chemical weapons, Uzumcu said "unfortunately they are wounded deeply and they can not recover completely despite a long term treatment. Hence, these weapons which are against humanity must be destroyed completely."