In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Statement by Delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran
to the UNGA 75 First Committee
Thematic Discussion:
Other WMDs
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Mr. Chairman,
My delegation associates itself with the NAM statement delivered by Indonesia.
Mr. Chairman,
On other WMDs, namely, chemical and biological weapons, it is a matter of grave concern that we are still witnessing the use of chemical weapons or pursuing the work on biological weeapons.
Given the bitter experience of being exposed to chemical attacks carried out by the Iraqi forces under Saddam’s regime in 1980s which claimed the lives of thousands of Iranians and left more than 100000 casualties who continue to suffer to this day, and based on our religious beliefs as well as the rational calculation of our national interests, WMD have no place in our defense doctrine. Furthermore, the Islamic Republic of Iran categorically condemns any use of such weapons by anyone, anytime and under any circumstance.
We attach great importance to the full implementation of the CWC and urge the only possessor of CWs to comply with its obligations to destroy its chemical arsenal at the earliest date and without further delay. In the same vein, the same SP to the CWC must withdraw its reservation to the 1925 Geneva Protocol without any further delay.
Besides, we are deeply concerned to note the politicized approach of some MPs of the OPCW that has prevented this only competent international authority to conduct a professional and impartial job with regards to the Syrian chemical dossier. We are confident that, if not harnessed, the said approach will increase the gap among the OPCW Member States and will leave a polarized organization distracted from its utmost function, namely, the destruction of CWs in the hand of countries like the USA.
We are deeply concerned about the clandestine biological weapon programs that are pursued by some countries. In this regard, Iran continues to strongly support upholding the authority as well as the full, effective and non-discriminatory implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention.
Lastly, while the Use of Biological Weapons is contrary to the object and purpose of this Convention, nevertheless, regrettably, its provision does not explicitly prohibit it. This, indeed, is a major legal loophole and deficiency that needs to be addressed.
Thank you, Mr. Chair!