Amb. FARAJVAND’s STATEMENT AT THE 107TH SESSION OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL of OPCW

Oct. 11

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN

STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR HADI FARAJVAND

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN

TO THE OPCW AT THE 107TH SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

UNDER AGENDA ITEM 5

 

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

 

Mr. Chairperson,

At the beginning, I would like to assure you of the support and cooperation of my delegation for the success of this session and to thank with appreciation the Director General for his reports and the Technical Secretariat for preparing this session.

My delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by Uganda, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and China.

 Mr. Chairman,

We have convened here with a mandate and mission to advance international peace and security, while the catastrophic situation in Gaza and Lebanon continues amid genocide, displacement of people and destruction of civilian and humanitarian infrastructures.

The impunity, military and political supports have enabled the criminal regime of Israel to launch a massive invasion of Lebanon with an intention to repeat its barbaric atrocities. Once again, we are witnessing heavy bombardment of densely populated areas, displacement of people and inability of the international community to stop inhumanity.

The terrorist regime of Israel, among its many other violations of international law, has targeted civilians and residential areas with white phosphorus and other prohibited munitions. There are confirmed reports that the regime, in its latest crimes in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah's headquarters has once again used chemical weapons. We call on the Technical Secretariat to use its expertise and closely monitor and investigate this serious matter thoroughly.

 Mr. Chairperson,

 The Chemical Weapon Convention is the most successful international disarmament instrument. The CWC cannot achieve its ultimate goal of “world free from the use or threat of the use of Chemical weapons”, unless it accomplishes its universal adherence by those who still staying outside the Convention. Our concern becomes more serious when we know that some of these non-parties, particularly Israeli regime, have extensive programs to produce and use chemical weapons. Israeli’s Chemical Weapons, as well as other Weapons of Mass Destruction, pose a major threat to international peace and security.

 Mr. Chairperson,

We welcome recent developments, including the 28th round of consultation with the DAT, and continuation of constructive engagement between Syria and the Technical Secretariat. The Islamic Republic of Iran encourages dialogue and cooperation within a mutually agreed framework, as the most effective way to resolve any remaining issues related to the Syrian Arab Republic.

 Mr. Chairperson,

My delegation underlines the importance of consultation and consensus on all important issues and decisions of the Organization. Consensus plays a pivotal role in the success and sustainability of all international disarmament agreements and it may not be ignored for short-sighted political gains. We encourage all States Parties to preserve the technical nature of the Organization and work in close collaboration for the implementation of the Convention.

 Mr. Chairperson,

 All States Parties shall also enjoy the intended benefits of adhering to the Convention. The policy of blockade and restriction is contrary to 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 human rights. Taking concrete measures to address the needs of the victims of chemical weapons lies within the responsibilities of the Organization and States Parties.

 Mr. Chairperson,

 The Islamic Republic of Iran, like many other States Parties, expects the Centre for Chemistry and Technology to prioritize international cooperation and assistance in its activities, provide capacity-building programs, and promote scientific and academic partnerships.

Mr. Chairperson,

 We support new initiatives to study and analyze the impacts and implications of artificial intelligence for the implementation of the Convention and the work of the Organization. Taking into account the technological gaps among the States Parties, transparent and inclusive discussions are crucial in the area. As this subject is still in its preliminary stages of development, we shall mainly rely on voluntary scientific and financial contributions of the States Parties which possess the knowledge and means to effectively advance relevant discussions and studies.

 I would kindly ask you to consider this statement as an official document of this session and publish it on the external server and the website of the OPCW.

 I thank you Mr. Chairman.