Skip to content

08.01.2026 Statement for briefing on Syria (chemical weapons)

Who Permanent Representative, Ambassador Christina MarkusLassen
Who Permanent Representative, Ambassador Christina MarkusLassen
When 08.01.2026

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President,

 

I also thank the Deputy to the High Representative for his informative briefing and I welcome the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to our meeting.

 

Over the past year, Syria has made significant strides towards peace, security and development. As discussed, many times around this table, we should continue to support this positive trajectory across all tracks: political, economic, and humanitarian – but also when it comes to destroying and disposing of the Assad regime’s chemical weapons. 

 

Mr. President,

 

Allow me to make two points today in line with Denmark’s objective to close this file effectively and comprehensively, while also securing accountability for the atrocious crimes committed against the Syrian people.

 

First, we acknowledge the complexity of the task of destroying all remaining chemical weapons in Syria.

 

We therefore urge all member states to extend all technical and financial assistance to Syria and the OPCW in sharing this burden.

 

With the continued presence and threat of Daesh and other terrorist groups in Syria, an expedient closure of this file is needed. 

 

We welcome last year’s OPCW destruction plan, the reestablishment of a continued presence of the OPCW mission in Syria last October and the appointment of a permanent representative of Syria to the OPCW. This close cooperation is important and commendable.

 

At the same time, we urge the OPCW to take a more proactive approach in coordination with Syria, in order to increase momentum towards the closure of the file.

 

Second, Mr. President,

 

Progress on this file must not come at the expense of accountability.

 

Accountability remains a cornerstone of a successful political transition in Syria. This also means accountability for those responsible for the use of chemical weapons.

 

All victims of the Assad regime’s illegal and heinous chemical weapons attacks deserve justice.

 

Mr. President, in closing,

 

We reiterate our hope to make further progress towards concluding the chemical weapons file this year.

 

We also reiterate our support and encouragement to the OPCW and the Syrian transitional government to continue to work diligently towards these ends.

 

I thank you.