Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at UNSC meeting on the situation in the Middle East, Syria

Thank you President.

Let me first thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her informative briefing.

Madam President,

As we have emphasized on multiple occasions, Slovenia unequivocally condemns the use of chemical weapons – anywhere by anyone, and under any circumstances.

After over a decade of war in which chemical weapons were used, Syria now has a historic opportunity to close this dark chapter of its past. While many open issues pertaining to the Syrian chemical weapons program remain, we have been witnessing increased cooperation between the Syrian interim authorities and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), including the recent deployments of an OPCW team in Syria.

Slovenia is encouraged by the commitment of the Syrian interim authorities to dismantle the remains of the chemical weapons program.

We urge the interim authorities to remain committed to this promising path and take all the necessary measures to fully meet their obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) as well as to comply with relevant decisions of the OPCW and Security Council resolutions. In particular, we underscore the urgent need to accurately map, secure and destroy any undeclared sites related to development, production or stockpiling of chemical weapons.

With regard to the past use of chemical weapons, we deem it imperative to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the immense suffering caused by the use of chemical weapons throughout Syria. We call on the interim authorities to do utmost to ensure justice for the victims and survivors, and to prevent the recurrence of chemical weapons use in the country.

Madam President,

Slovenia reaffirms its unwavering support for the work of the OPCW and commends its Director General and his team for their work and steadfast engagement with the Syrian authorities. We firmly believe that only a multilateral approach – with the CWC and the OPCW at its center – can lead toward a future free from the threat of chemical weapons.

In Syria, achieving the future without the threat of chemical weapons is an important part of strengthening the stability of the country and the wider region. Slovenia remains committed to this goal.

I thank you.

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