A+ A-

Le Drian, OPCW Chief discuss Syrian WMD situation

PARIS, Oct 18 (KUNA) -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Wednesday held talks here with Director General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ahmet Uzumcu, mainly to discuss the situation with Syria's chemical weapons and "repeated violations" of commitments made by Damascus in this area.
The French Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the two officials reviewed the 2013 agreement with Syria on the inventory and destruction of its chemical weapons stocks and capacity.
This operation is still ongoing as are OPCW and other investigations into the use by Syria of chemical agents in 2017.
Syria is notably accused of using chlorine gas and sarin gas despite its agreements, and this has been noted and registered by the OPCW through its own investigations.
Le Drian recalled the need to maintain the non-proliferation regime in place as "this is essential to preserve our collective security system." The French Minister added that in view of the "repeated violations by Syria of its commitments, States who are party to the (non-proliferation) Convention are responsible for protecting it and of committing to allowing no impunity" for violators.
French President Emmanuel Macron said when taking office that any further use of chemical weapons in Syria would be "a red line" for France and would meet with "an immediate riposte." (end) jk.sd