Mikdad: Terrorists and their supporters continue impeding Syria-UN-OPCW cooperation

Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Fayssal Mikdad said despite Syria’s commitment to its obligations on chemical weapons destruction, some countries are trying to politicize this file and support the armed terrorist groups that are committing the most hideous crimes in Syria.

Mikdad discussed Sunday with Chairperson of the joint mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and UN in Syria, Sigrid Kaag, the latest developments with regard to the chemical weapons elimination.

Discussions during the meeting touched upon progress made in terms of Syria implementing its commitments under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and means of continuing the standing constructive cooperation between Syria on one hand and the UN and OPCW on the other.

Mikdad made clear that the information which Syria offered to the UN-OPCW joint mission affirms the involvement of the terrorist groups and countries backing them in continued attempts to encumber the existing cooperation between Syria and the mission.

For her part, Kaag hailed Syria’s cooperation with joint mission, commending what has been achieved by Syria to meet its obligations.

She pointed out that the international community as well as the joint mission realize the scale of the challenges and risks facing the process of Syria’s implementation of its obligations, particularly under the current difficult security circumstance in the country.

Kaag also expressed her relief and appreciation for close cooperation with Syrian parties to achieve the common goal.