Thu Dec 12 20:57:10 UTC 2024: ## OPCW Seeks Access to Syria to Investigate Chemical Weapons Attacks Amidst Political Upheaval

**The Hague/Damascus** – The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is pressing Syria’s new leadership to allow investigators access to the country to identify those responsible for chemical weapons attacks during the civil war. OPCW Director-General Fernando Arias announced this at a special session of the OPCW’s executive council, stating that while positive signals have been received from Syria regarding chemical weapons disarmament, no formal request for access has yet been submitted.

The US Ambassador to the OPCW, Nicole Shampaine, hailed the toppling of President Bashar al-Assad as an opportunity to finally rid Syria of chemical weapons. Arias echoed this sentiment, stating the evolving political landscape presents a chance to fully clarify the extent of Syria’s chemical weapons program after years of inspections. The OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team has already identified the Syrian armed forces as perpetrators in nine attacks between 2015 and 2017, but many others remain unsolved.

The sudden shift in power has also prompted concerns about the security of remaining chemical weapons and materials. Germany’s ambassador to the OPCW, Thomas Schieb, stressed the urgent need to secure relevant sites and allow OPCW inspections. Syria joined the OPCW in 2013, destroying 1,300 metric tonnes of chemical weapons, but banned munitions still remain.

Meanwhile, Israel has launched over 480 air strikes on Syrian sites since Assad’s fall, targeting ports and military installations. While the US claims these strikes aim to prevent weapons from falling into the wrong hands, the UN Secretary-General expressed deep concern over the violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Critics argue Israel is exploiting the situation to weaken any future Syrian government.

Syria’s new administration faces immense challenges, including economic devastation and the need to establish rule of law after years of abuses under Assad’s regime. The country is also grappling with the aftermath of the recent death of activist Mazen al-Hamada and the continued unaccounted-for fate of thousands of detainees. The international community watches closely to see if the new government will cooperate with efforts to investigate chemical weapons use and disarm the remaining stockpiles.

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