10.03.2026 Statement for briefing on Syria (chemical weapons)

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Thank you, Madam President,

Let me also thank Mr Ebo Deputy to the High Representative for his briefing as well Mr Moore and Mr Phillips for their valuable insights. I also welcome the representatives of the Syrian Arab Republic and Turkiye to our meeting.

In Syria, we have witnessed a positive development with the transitional government and The Syrian Democratic Forces reaching a comprehensive agreement in January. It is key to continue the ongoing implementation of this agreement and we urge the parties to prioritise the peaceful integration of the North East as part of the political transition. Also, it is important to avoid the transition being undermined by wider regional tensions.

Madam President, turning to the issue of chemical weapons in Syria.

Denmark supports the effective and comprehensive closure of this file, while also securing accountability for the atrocious crimes committed by the Assad regime against the Syrian people.

The task of destroying all remaining chemical weapons in Syria is already complex.

With the continued presence and threat of Daesh and other terrorist groups in Syria, it grows even more important.

Counterproliferation efforts must therefore be prioritised so no chemical weapons fall into the hands of terrorists.

Madam President,

Syria has identified challenges in the safe disposal of chemical agents and precursors, both lacking the means and relevant expertise.

The OPCW’s assistance is critical in this regard.  We urge all actors to extend technical and financial assistance to Syria and the OPCW.

We also call on Syria to ensure that all chemical agents and stockpiles are accounted for and safely stored until their eventual destruction.

In line with resolution 2118 and the Chemical Weapons Convention, all transportation and destruction of chemical weapons must be coordinated with the OPCW.

Madam President,

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.

In this regard we welcome the fifth report of the investigation and identification team on the 2016 chemical attack in Kafr Zita.

The people of Syria have waited too long for the victims of chemical attacks to be identified and recognized. Denmark calls on all actors to redouble their efforts to this end.

Madam President, in closing,

Let me reiterate Denmark’s strong support to the OPCW and Syria in making further progress towards concluding the chemical weapons file this year.

Thank you.