Thank you, Madam President. And thank you, High Representative Nakamitsu.
During a UN Security Council briefing, it was noted that President Trump had initiated a new phase in U.S.-Syrian relations while in Riyadh. This moment presents an opportunity for Syria to align with the Chemical Weapons Convention and Resolution 2118 with international backing.
The United States acknowledged the initial positive steps taken by both the OPCW and the Syrian government. The commencement of inspections on Syrian soil despite difficult conditions was commended.
There is appreciation for the Syrian government's commitment to fully supporting and cooperating with the Technical Secretariat. It is crucial that any remaining elements of Assad's chemical weapons program be addressed safely. The aim is to make Syria and its region more secure by moving past this issue.
This cooperation between Syria and the OPCW offers a chance to accurately determine and eliminate the scope of Assad's chemical weapons program. Furthermore, it allows Syria to show genuine effort towards a world free from chemical weapons.
OPCW inspectors alongside the Syrian government are tasked with creating a comprehensive inventory of remaining chemical weapons, including facilities and equipment, ahead of their verified destruction while establishing a permanent presence in Syria.
For this mission to succeed, additional funding, expertise, and resources are necessary for the OPCW Technical Secretariat due to its massive scale.
The professional work of the OPCW has been recognized by the United States as well as partners who share this view. However, further action is essential. There is support for calls made by both the OPCW Director-General and Technical Secretariat for financial contributions needed for effective solutions.
The success of eliminating chemical weapons underpins our responsibility toward future generations underlining our commitment to global security without such threats.
Syria’s efforts towards dismantling its chemical weapons programs have been welcomed along with gestures towards victims' families seeking justice from past attacks.
Remaining focused on this significant matter until completion remains imperative.
Thank you, Madam President.