5 June 2025
Thank you, Madam President,
We thank Under-Secretary General Izumi Nakamitsu for her briefing. We welcome the presence of Syrian Arab Republic and Türkiye in this meeting.
Pakistan is opposed to and condemns the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, and under any circumstances. We consider the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) a pillar of global arms control and disarmament. Pakistan remains committed to advancing the objectives of the Convention and upholding the OPCW’s effectiveness, impartiality and the protection of its verification mechanisms. We support continued efforts for CWC’s universal adherence and its full, effective and non-discriminatory implementation.
Pakistan supports the shared objective of stabilization of Syria through an inclusive, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process facilitated by the United Nations. We extend our support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Madam President,
On the issue of chemical weapons in Syria, I would like to make following points:
First, We welcome the commitment of the Syrian authorities to fully implement the CWC, secure suspected chemical weapons sites and address outstanding issues. In this respect, we particularly appreciate Syrian authorities’ positive engagement and cooperation with the OPCW to fulfill its mandate, addressing longstanding questions and ensuring unimpeded access, to enable independent and full verification by the OPCW for the elimination of suspected chemical weapons in Syria and any risks of proliferation, in compliance with the CWC.
Second, We commend the engagement of the OPCW Director General with the Syrian authorities for implementing the mandate entrusted to the OPCW. We welcome the deployment of the OPCW team to Syria to continue necessary activities required for establishing an OPCW presence in Syria on an adaptive and sustained basis, and to conduct declaration-related activities. We support continuation of these important efforts in a transparent and equitable manner.
Third, Everyone should seize the present opportunity to address outstanding issues in Syria including those related to chemical weapons. We urge continued dialogue, cooperation and full compliance with the CWC and Security Council resolutions as a way forward to close the Syrian chemical weapons file as soon as possible.
Finally, We remain concerned about various aspects of the situation in Syria, in particular the military occupation by Israel of parts of Syrian territory and its continuing strikes against Syrian sites and facilities. These reprehensible attacks and violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must stop. We urge consensus and unity within the Council for restoration of normalcy and addressing all outstanding issues for preservation and consolidation of peace and security in the region. I thank you.