STATEMENT BY MR PHILIPPE BRANDT DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SWITZERLAND AT THE THIRTY-NINTH MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL UNDER ITEM 3: “PROGRESS IN THE ELIMINATION OF THE SYRIAN CHEMICAL WEAPONS PROGRAMME”

Mr Chairman, My delegation wishes, like the previous speakers, to express strong concerns regarding the built-up delays in the framework of the operations currently taking place in the Syrian Arab Republic. In this context, we would like to refer to the elements released to the press by the Members of the Security Council on 6 February. In particular, we note the situation assessment made by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Joint Mission, which concludes that the Syrian authorities have all of the necessary resources to successfully complete the withdrawal of the relevant chemical products. The timeline for the transport out of the Syrian territory of chemical weapons for their destruction has been set by decisions of both the OPCW and the Security Council, and stipulates the obligations for all the parties involved. This timeline has already been seriously compromised. Therefore, the pace of the whole operation must imperatively pick up within the next few days. Indeed, the target date of 30 June 2014 might be missed. In such a case, the OPCW, its members—including the Syrian Arab Republic—and the international community as a whole, would lose much credibility. Furthermore, additional costs caused by these delays represent a major issue. Regarding the chemical weapons production facilities, the Swiss delegation considers that the provisions of the Convention must be fully implemented. Hence, the facilities located in the Syrian Arab Republic have to be completely and physically destroyed and not just inactivated. We are of course fully aware of the challenges raised by the security situation in the Syrian Arab Republic. However, we urge the Syrian Government to make all necessary efforts, without further delay, to meet its obligations and ensure compliance with the deadline of 30 June 2014. Finally, I would like to request that this statement be circulated as an official document of this Session of the Executive Council. Thank you, Mr Chairman.