Türkiye: Israel’s strikes on Syria hinder chemical weapons removal efforts

Türkiye’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ahmet Yıldız, on January 8 condemned Israel for its “irresponsible attacks” on Syria, arguing that they are obstructing international initiatives aimed at eliminating the country’s chemical weapons.

Addressing a UN Security Council session on the Middle East, Yıldız highlighted the critical need to remove the remnants of Syria’s chemical weapons, Caliber.az reports via Syrian media.

He stressed that Israel’s ongoing military operations and strikes are complicating these cooperative efforts.

“These attacks have damaged former chemical weapons facilities, increased the costs and risks of destruction operations, and endangered the safety and freedom of local residents as well as OPCW personnel,” Yıldız said, referring to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Yıldız urged the international community to take action to prevent such attacks, emphasising that fully eliminating Syria’s chemical weapons is both a regional security imperative and a humanitarian priority.

He noted that the systematic obstacles imposed by the deposed Syrian regime now belong to the past and that the new government offers an opportunity for more effective cooperation with the OPCW.

At the same time, Syria’s UN ambassador, Ibrahim Olabi, reiterated Damascus’ commitment to removing the chemical weapons legacy left by the previous regime.

He added that Syria is determined to close this chapter permanently and emphasised its dedication to strengthening the global non-proliferation regime, which is crucial for both regional and international security.

By Jeyhun Aghazada