Statement by

H.E. Mr. Amir Saeid Iravani

Ambassador and Permanent Representative

of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

Before the United Nations Security Council

On “The situation in the Middle East: (Syria – Chemical)”

New York, 7 February 2022

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Madam. President,

I congratulate Malta on assuming the presidency of the Security Council this month and acknowledge Japan for a successful completion of its presidency in January.

We express our sincere condolences to the people and governments of Turkiye and Syria for the devastating earthquake that struck both countries. Our thoughts are with our brothers and sisters in both countries who have been devastated by this tragic earthquake.

We welcome the presence of Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN high representative for disarmament affairs, as well as Mr. Fernando Arias, Director-General of the OPCW at today's briefing.

Madam. President,

As the main victim of chemical weapons in contemporary history, Iran strongly condemns use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, and under any circumstances. The use of such weapons, like other types of weapons of mass destruction, is a crime against humanity and a blatant violation of international law.

The use of chemical weapons is a source of great tragedy, as our people have experienced the devastating effects first-hand. During the eight-year war imposed by Saddam's regime on Iran, some Western countries either remained silent or actively supported systematic use of chemical weapons against Iranian people by supplying and providing such weapons of mass destruction to Saddam’s regime. Now, these same countries are manipulating the OPCW to further their own political agendas, potentially misusing it and its mechanisms in the case of Syria.

Madam. President,

We are deeply concerned about the exploitation and politicization of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the OPCW. The abuse of their processes by certain Western states has caused division among the Member States, eroded the OPCW's legitimacy and credibility, and weakened the trust in multilateral disarmament machinery.

This political exploitation is demonstrated in the recent premeditated scenario against the Syrian Arab Republic by certain Western states who have used the illegal mandate of the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) for furthering their political goals. The IIT report of January 27th, like similar reports before it, is based on unauthorized sources and lacks the required legal conclusions, as well as disregarding the observations of the Syrian government. These flaws must not be overlooked but must be addressed responsibly in order to ensure the integrity of OPCW reports.

 Madam President,

We have stated time and again that technical issues must be resolved collaboratively rather than through political pressure, which has repeatedly proven to be a failed strategy that jeopardizes the entire process aimed at resolving outstanding issues.

It is unfortunate that the credible information provided by the Syrian government regarding the use of chemical weapons by terrorist groups has been ignored by the OPCW. Meanwhile, the Israeli regime, a non-party with a clandestine weapons of mass destruction program, is being rewarded by certain Western countries.

It is clear that timely consideration of the information could have led to the elimination of the terrorist groups, instead of concealing their actions. This is especially true considering the potential exposure of false allegations made by some Western countries, which in some cases resulted in military action against Syria.

Madam President,

The primary responsibility of OPCW is to destroy chemical weapons as the first pillar of the Convention, but its efforts are being hindered by the ongoing delay from the US, the only major remaining possessor of these inhumane weapons. A politically motivated approach by the organization will divert attention away from this urgent need and serve the interests of the US, a possessor State Party.

Madam President,

Iran supports Syria and the OPCW to engage in constructive dialogue at the highest level and their cooperation to resolve outstanding issues within a specific time frame and finally to close the file. To that end, any investigation must be impartial, professional, credible, objective, and fully comply with the Convention's requirements and procedures.

I thank you, Madam President.