Dec 03, 2013
Tehran, (SANA)- Member states of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and China welcomed in a common statement Syria's joining Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), calling on non-member states in the CWCto join it as soon as possible and without preconditions.
During the 18th International Conference held in The Hague, the statement, recited by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, called for removing the weapons of mass destruction in the world completely.
"The means for achieving this universal goal is through the implementation of CWC provisions fully and without discrimination," the statement added.
The statement expressed concern over the lack of commitment of the states which possess chemical weapons to their pledges on destroying their chemical stockpiles. Also, Araqchi, welcomed Syria's joining CWC and cooperation with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
"Iran is committed to its obligations towards the OPCW", Iranian News Agency (IRNA) quoted Araqchi as saying during a meeting with the OPCW Director General ,Ahmat Uzmucu on the sidelines of the 18th International Conference held currently in The Hague.
In the same context, Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the OPCW Kazem Gharib Abadi stressed that the Zionist nuclear weapons endanger the security and stability of the Middle East, calling on the international community to adopt needed measures in this regard.
In his speech at the Conference, Abadi said Israel's rejection to join the treaties of disarmament, among then the CWC, destabilized the Middle East and caused concern.
The 5-day 18th International Conference of the member states of the CWC started activities in The Hague on Monday with the participation of Syrian delegation headed by Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Fayssal Mikdad .
Mikdad affirmed that Syria, voluntarily and with full sovereignty, decided to join the Chemical Weapons convention in mid September as a proof to the whole world of its full commitment against any use of this kind of weapons, particularly after the use of them by the armed terrorist groups in several areas in Syria.
India provides USD 1 million to OPCW fund for dismantling CW of Syria
India welcomed Syria's accession into the Chemical Weapons Convention, expressing satisfaction over the progress made by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in terms of dismantling the Syrian chemical weapons.
The Indian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that India decided to offer USD 1 million to the fund which was established by the OPCW in The Hague for dismantling the chemical weapons in Syria, and it will offer its experience and experts for training staff to destroy the chemical weapons in Syria.
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2013
