Statement by the Spokesperson on the removal of chemical weapons from Syria

Brussels, 23 June 2014

140623/02

STATEMENT

by the Spokesperson on the removal of chemical weapons from Syria

"The EU welcomes the announcement today by Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical

Weapons (OPCW) that the remaining 8% of the Syrian chemicals have been removed from

the country and loaded on board the Danish vessel Ark Futura. This removal, although

overdue, is certainly good news. International pressure and the concerted efforts by OPCW

and the Joint OPCW-UN Mission have finally yielded results. Our special appreciation goes to

the OPCW Director-General Ambassador Uzumcu and his staff, as well as to the Special

Coordinator Mrs Sigrid Kaag and the Joint Mission staff for their relentless efforts carried out

in particularly difficult and dangerous circumstances. The importance of the elimination of

the threat of the chemical weapons has already been underlined by granting OPCW the

Nobel Peace Prize.

The EU has contributed with significant funds to the Syrian chemical weapons operation and

wishes to express its appreciation to all the Member States that have contributed in kind or

financially and in particular those that they have made available commercial vessels and

their escort. Today's development marks the fulfillment of the main goal of this operation:

the removal of the entire chemical weapons stockpile from Syria, so that the risk of having

them used again is eliminated. But there is still work to be done. The removed chemicals

should be destroyed according to the OPCW Executive Council Decisions, in full respect of the

relevant international norms and procedures and in taking all necessary measure for the

protection of the environment.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 - +32 2 584 9780- [email protected] @EUHighRepSpox

Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - [email protected] @AshtonSpox_Maja

Sebastien Brabant +32 460 75 09 98 - [email protected]

Nabila Massrali +32 460 75 41 75 – [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter @eu_eeas

www.facebook.com/EuropeanExternalActionService

www.eeas.europa.eu

At the same time, we have to maintain pressure on Syria to ensure that the chemical

weapons programme is completely and irreversibly dismantled, including the remaining

production facilities. Last but not least the work of the Fact Finding Mission on the recent

allegations of the use of chlorine should continue. The perpetrators of such horrific acts

should be held accountable. The situation in Syria continues to be extremely critical from a

security and humanitarian point of view. The EU urges all parties to help revive the political

track as there can be no military solution to this conflict."

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بيان المتحدث باسم الاتحاد الأوروبي يرحب بإعلان منظمة حظر الأسلحة الكيميائية نقل آخر 8% من المواد الكيميائية السورية خارج البلاد على متن السفينة الدنماركية آرك فوتورا.