IR.Irans Statement to the OPCW at the 105th Session of the Ececutive Council
Deliverd be H.E. Farajvand on March 6 2024
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR HADI FARAJVAND
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN TO THE OPCW AT THE 105TH SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM SIX – GENERAL DEBATE
بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
Mr. Chairperson, Distinguished delegates, Esteemed Director General
I would like to express my appreciation to Ambassador Lucian Fatu of Romania for his leadership and preparation for this session. I also thanks the Director General Ambassador Fernando Arias, for his outstanding efforts and comprehensive reports to the Council.
My delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by H.E. Ambassador Mirjam Blaak Sow of Uganda on behalf of the Non-aligned Movement and China.
Distinguished delegates,
Since this is my first time, addressing the Executive Council’s session in my capacity as Iran’s Permanent Representative, I would like to express my happiness and honour for being among you, high–ranking representatives, and distinguished delegates and express my readiness to work with you and with the Director General to promote the cause of our Collective gaols.
Most of my tenure time-period in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, almost more than 16 year, I have been working in the National Authority dealing with the Chemical Weapons Convention and the OPCW. In 1997 when I was posted for the first time as a member of Iranian Delegation to the OPCW, it was only a few months had passed, since the establishment of the Organization. Therefore, the Organization and I, evolved together and gained valuable knowledge and experiences. Since then, many things have changed; mostly desirable, but in some areas, unfortunately not a little bit favourable. One of these negative development is, that the negotiation and consensus building, have been set aside and we have shifted to confrontation rather than cooperation, collective collaboration and coordination.
Mr. Chairperson
The deliberation of the 28th session of the Conference of the States Parties, clearly indicated that, the policy of ignoring States parties’ views and concerns, and avoiding negotiation and interaction with the other Member States, undermines dignity of delegations and credibility of the Organization. The decisions that were taken during the past sessions of the Executive Council and the Conference, by shaking majority, have no fruit other than exposing the OPCW and its technical nature, to a great risk of distrust and functional collapse.
We have to revive the good tradition of consensus in decision making organs of the Organization. Consensus is a fundamental pillar of multilateralism, which makes international agreements and treaties credible, reliable and sustainable. To this end, we must make every effort to take into account the concerns of all states parties; Consensus requires understanding, negotiation, dialogue, concession, and compromise. Compromising this effective mechanism for the sake of narrow national political interests, may, in the short term, bring about some fruits for those who can obtain shaky majority of votes. However, in the long run, it will be devastating for everyone, even for supporters of this approach.
Mr. Chairperson,
I would like to briefly touch upon other important issues too.
The States Parties have repeatedly been asking those, who staying outside the Convention, to accede to it at the earliest. After 27 years of the CWC implementation, there is no justification, for those who still want to keep and develop their Chemical weapons arsenals. They must understand that, non- adherence to the CWC, is considered a major threat, to the International peace and security, and international community will not, tolerate any use or threat of use of Chemical Weapons by anyone, anywhere and under any circumstances. We have to make it clear to them, that maintaining or obtaining chemical weapons capabilities, has no justification, and they must bear some consequences of staying outside of the Convention. Those States parties who have influence on non-parties, have particular responsibility to exert pressure on them to join the Convention without any further delay.
Mr. Chairperson,
It is five months that the Israeli regime, ruthlessly committing all types of crimes in Gaza, including genocide, displacement of civilians, and relentless bombardment of civil infrastructures as well as using white- phosphorus, and other toxic munitions, against residential areas in Gaza and Lebanon. This inhumane invasion, has taken the lives of more than 30000 civilians, mostly children and women, and wounded more than 70000 civilians. These crimes, and possessing all types of weapons of mass destruction by this occupying power, once again remind us the utmost importance of the universality of the Convention.
Mr. Chairperson,
Dialogue and cooperation within a mutually agreed framework, is the most effective way, to resolve any remaining issues related to the Syrian Arab Republic. Political pressure, has proven time and again, to be a failed approach that, jeopardizes any progress. We welcome recent developments, including two new rounds of DAT consultations, and resolving some outstanding issues, and encourage continuation of dialogue, and cooperation between Syria and the Technical Secretariat.
Mr. Chairperson,
Developed States parties, have a great responsibly to facilitate the exchange of chemicals and equipment for application of chemistry, by developing States parties. Fostering international cooperation, as a major pillar of the Convention, was an important incentive for developing countries, to join the Convention and, still a strong motivation to abide by their undertakings. The policy of blockade and imposing restrictions, on other states parties, is in contrary with the letter and spirit of the convention. Imposing illegal sanctions, which impede provision of medicine and medical supplies, for treatment of chemical weapons victims, is also a serious violation of the Convention, and inhuman, as far as the needs of chemical weapons victims are concerned. Taking concrete measures to address the needs of chemical weapons victims lies within the responsibilities of the Organization and the States Parties.
I request that this statement be posted as an official document of this session on the OPCW catalyst and public website.
Thank you.