Statement by

Ambassador J.S. Mukul,

Permanent Representative of India to the OPCW

at the 50th Session of the Executive Council,

23 November 2015.

Thank you Mr. Chairman for giving me the floor.

I have just a few points to make:

1. First of all, my delegation would like to thank the Director General and Technical Secretariat for comprehensive briefing and presentations on the activities of the Fact Finding Mission and the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM).

2. In regard to elimination of Syrian chemical weapons programme, my delegation has noted with satisfaction that all the declared chemical weapon stockpiles and chemical weapon production facilities have been destroyed except few HF cylinders and one aircraft hangar. We welcome the progress achieved so far and hope that the remaining destruction would be completed in the shortest possible time.

3. My delegation read with interest the three reports of the Fact Finding Mission on Syria and we are deeply concerned with the findings of the FFM that confirmed with the utmost confidence that chemical weapon sulphur mustard was used in Marea, Aleppo Governorate and toxic chemical –probably chlorine- was used as weapon in the Idlib Governorate. The possibility of such chemical weapons and toxic chemicals having been used by non-state actors is a matter of very grave concern, even alarm, given recent acts of terrorism. The use of chemical weapons in complete disregard of humanity is reprehensible and completely contrary to the provisions of the Convention and accepted international legal norms. My delegation reiterates our strong condemnation of the abhorrent use of chemical weapons on Syrian territory.

4. My delegation has also noted that the FFM was not able to visit the affected sites and the investigations were carried out in neighbouring country. We can visualise the daunting task ahead in finding the perpetrators of such heinous crime. In this regard, we would urge that the JIM look into the confirmed case of use of a chemical weapon namely sulphur mustard for attributing responsibility to the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

5. My delegation stresses that all credible allegations of use of chemical weapons should be thoroughly investigated by the Fact Finding Mission and the perpetrators of such heinous crime held accountable. 

6. Lastly, Mr. Chairman, we expect that this Council should effectively respond to prevent any future use of chemical weapons on Syrian territory. 

Thank you Mr. Chairman.