Despite ‘Limited’ Technical Delay in Transporting Chemical Agents from Syria,

 

Secretary-General Commends ‘Steady Achievements’ of Past Three Months

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Special Coordinator of the OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons)-UN Joint Mission announced today that, due to technical difficulties, there will be a limited delay in the transport of the first tranche of chemical agents from the Syrian Arab Republic.  These were anticipated to be removed by 31 December. 

The Secretary-General stresses that the international effort to eliminate the chemical weapons programme of the Syrian Arab Republic continues to make effective progress, as demonstrated by the steady achievements in meeting all previous milestones the past three months.

Despite this delay, the Joint Mission continues to work closely and intensively with the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic and the assisting States parties to begin safe and secure removal and transportation operations as soon as possible.

The Secretary-General commends the Special Coordinator and her team for their steadfast work in challenging circumstances.

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For information media • not an official record