STATEMENT BY THE DELEGATION OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN IN EXERCISE OF THE RIGHT OF REPLY TO THE U.S. UNSUBSTANTIATED ALLEGATION AGAINST IRAN
19 July
Mr. Chairperson
My delegation rejects the unfounded allegations made by the delegation of the United States in its national statement. It is deeply regrettable that the United States is eroding the authority of the Organization and the credibility of the Convention for its short-sighted political interests.
It shall be recalled that Iran fulfilled its obligations under the Convention immediately after its entry into force, while the United States was the last possessor State Party who completed the destruction of its chemical weapons stockpile after 26 years, with several extensions.
I also remind that during the imposed war on my country in 1980s, Iranian soldiers and civilians were massively targeted by a wide range of chemical weapons, which were developed with the participation and support of some western companies and governments, including in the United States. The delay of the UN Security Council to even condemn those barbaric chemical attacks due to the U.S objection was a clear indication of that support. However, the Islamic Republic of Iran refrained from using chemical weapons, due to its legal obligations and moral principles.
In the same vein and as a major victim of chemical weapons, Iran is fully committed to the CWC and observes all its obligations. This fact is reaffirmed in various reports of the Technical Secretariat. Iran’s chemical and pharmaceutical industries are under the verification regime of the Convention and we regularly submit the required declarations and receive OPCW inspections.
The credibility of the Convention and the authority of the Organization shall not be compromised by unilateral actions. The OPCW shall continue to be the sole competent authority to verify the compliance of States Parties and that the rights of the States Parties under the Convention shall be secured at all times.
I request that this statement be posted as an official document of this session on the OPCW catalyst and public website.
Thank you.