Syria: Investigations Continue into Undeclared Chemical Weapons Activities

The United Nations Security Council was briefed on ongoing investigations into undeclared chemical weapons activities in Syria. The representative of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, Adedeji Ebo, stressed that serious questions remain regarding the completeness of the previous government's declarations to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Since 2014, the OPCW Technical Secretariat has been unable to confirm the accuracy and completeness of the declaration submitted by the previous government due to insufficient and inaccurate information. The agency expressed serious concern about large quantities of potentially undeclared or unverified chemical agents and munitions.

In addition to the 26 declared facilities related to chemical weapons, there are indications that more than 100 other facilities may have been involved in related activities. The new Syrian government is cooperating with the OPCW to clarify the full extent of the program. Since March 2025, more than twenty locations have been visited, and 19 samples have been collected.

The Permanent Representative of Greece, Ambassador Ag. Balta, reiterated Greece's support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, as well as the need for a fully inclusive political transition. She also expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between the OPCW and the Syrian authorities.