Statement by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at the briefing on the situation in the Middle East, Syria

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Slovenia.

I would like to thank director Ebo for his informative briefing.

Let me begin by stressing Slovenia’s unwavering condemnation of any use of chemical weapons anywhere and by anyone, be it a State or a non-State actor. Chemical weapons are a threat to international peace and security, and as a result of the extent and consequences of their use in Syria, we firmly believe that the Security Council must remain actively seized of the matter.

Slovenia appreciates the regular reporting by the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). We underline that the efforts of the Organization and its experts are fundamental to ensure Syria’s full compliance with the obligations deriving from the Chemical Weapons Convention, as well as to identify and hold accountable those responsible for chemical weapons use in Syria.

We note with concern the recent emergence of two new outstanding issues as Syria failed to sufficiently explain traces of undeclared chemical warfare agents. This might suggest undeclared full-scale development and production of chemical weapons at two sites. This situation deepens our concerns about the accuracy and completeness of Syrian authorities’ declarations regarding the chemical weapons programme and stockpiles.

We call on Syria to provide technically credible explanations to the outstanding issues, comply with its obligations under the Convention, fully implement relevant Security Council resolutions and cooperate with the OPCW in good faith.

Slovenia remains determined to ensure strict observance of the prohibition of chemical weapons and to serve justice to the victims of these inhumane weapons by ensuring accountability of those responsible for chemical attacks in Syria and elsewhere. There must be no impunity for such a crime.

We continue to believe only a multilateral approach, with the Chemical Weapons Convention and the OPCW at its center can pave the way to our ultimate goal – a world without chemical weapons.

I resume my functions as President of the Council.

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