French Foreign Minister reaffirms his country's support for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

Paris, August 26 (KUNA) -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reaffirmed today, Wednesday, his country’s full political, financial, and technical support for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in its efforts to implement the Chemical Weapons Convention amid evolving threats.

In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry said this position was expressed during Barrot’s meeting with OPCW Director-General Sabrina Dufour. The statement added that the French minister reiterated his country’s commitment to continuing efforts under the OPCW’s leadership in Syria, aiming to accelerate the determination of the full scope of the chemical weapons program developed by the Assad regime and to ensure the safe and verifiable destruction of any remaining elements of that program.

Barrot welcomed Syria’s request to join the international partnership against impunity for the use of chemical weapons, which is chaired by France, emphasizing the necessity of continuing efforts to document the facts and identify those responsible for the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

France also reaffirmed its support for Ukraine and for measures aimed at enhancing its capabilities in detecting, protecting against, and responding to chemical threats on the front lines.

The statement noted that the French minister stressed that Russia must bear responsibility for its violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Concluding the statement, France affirmed its continued support for the OPCW’s efforts to uphold the international norm prohibiting the use of chemical weapons, combat impunity, and prevent the resurgence of such weapons. (End) M.B. / M.A. H.A.