STATEMENT BY AMB. FARAJVAND AT THE 108TH SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL of OPCW
March 6 2025
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR HADI FARAJVAND
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN TO THE OPCW AT THE 108TH 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. I also thank the Director General for his report 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. Chairperson,
The Chemical Weapons Convention is the most successful instrument of international disarmament and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a major victim of chemical weapons, remains committed to its full, effective and non-discriminatory implementation.
Decades after the entry into force of the Convention, the international community shall not tolerate any threat of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere and under any circumstances. We are of the view that in the post-destruction era, universality of the convention is essential to prevent the re-emergence of chemical weapons and shall be a major priority for this Organisation.
We have to make it clear to the non-parties that maintaining chemical weapons has no justification, and is a major threat to international peace and security. They must bear the consequences of staying outside of the Convention. Those who have influence on non-parties, bear a particular responsibility.
The war crimes of the Israeli regime in Gaza, West Bank and Lebanon; genocide, displacement of civilians, bombardment of civilian and humanitarian infrastructure, and the use of chemical weapons, once again reminds us importance and urgency of universality of the Convention.
Mr. Chairperson,
My delegation underlines the importance of consultation and consensus on all important issues and decisions of the Organisation. Consensus plays a pivotal role in the success and sustainability of all international disarmament agreements and treaties and it may not be ignored for short-sighted political gains. Politicization of the work of the Organization undermines its integrity and viability. We encourage all States Parties to preserve the technical nature of the Organisation 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 the States Parties.
Mr. Chairperson,
Islamic Republic of Iran, like many other States Parties, expects the Center for Chemistry and Technology to prioritize International cooperation and assistance in its activities, provide capacity-building programmes, and promote scientific and academic partnerships. We expect that the programme and budget of the Center be drawn up in full consultation with the States Parties.
Mr. Chairperson,
We support identification of any potential impact of artificial intelligence on the implementation of the Convention and the work of the Organisation. In view of the technological gaps among the States Parties, transparent and inclusive discussions on new technologies is crucial. 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.
Finally, 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.