Syria Handed Over 100% of Declared Chem Weapons Stockpile: OPEW
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - The last of Syria’s declared chemical weapons have been handed over, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) announced.
“All declared chemical weapons have left Syria,” OPCW Director General Ahmet Üzümcü told reporters at a press conference Monday.
"The last of the remaining chemicals identified for removal from Syria were loaded this afternoon aboard the Danish ship Ark Futura. The ship made its last call at the port of Latakia in what has been a long and patient campaign in support of this international endeavor," Üzümcü announced on Monday.
The destruction of the most hazardous substances will take place in Mediterranean international waters, on the American ship 'Cape Ray.'
Less hazardous substances will be destroyed in specialized facilities in Finland and the US, RT reported.
Another OPCW visit will take place soon to Damascus to fully confirm the information. “This may take a little more time, but clearly we want to conclude it as soon as possible,” Üzümcü said when questioned over the confirmation of information. He added that another team will be sent to “verify claims of remaining assets.”
He added that he could not say for certain that Syria possesses no chemical weapons whatsoever anymore but added he would avoid “speculation.”
Disposal may take a little longer. The official said OPCW was hoping that removal would have finished taking place earlier, “but there have been delays.”
“It may take 3-4 more months, but I can’t give an exact time frame,” Üzümcü added.
The removal of chemical agents from Syria began in early January, following an agreement brokered by Russia, in which Syria renounced its chemical weapons arsenal and joined the convention on Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons.