Explanation of Vote of the Islamic Republic of Iran

On Draft Resolution L. 54: “Secretary-General’s Mechanism for Investigation of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons”

Before the First Committee, UNGA 76

New York, 2 November 2021

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

Mr. Chairman, 

We do support and will vote in favor of the draft Resolution L.54 entitled “Secretary-General’s Mechanism for Investigation of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons”. We attach great importance to the independence of the Mechanism, inclusive and representative endeavor to review the procedures as well as being consistent with the BWC and CWC. Adoption of this initiative will allow all UN Member States to participate in updating the Mechanism's guidelines and procedures.

The draft resolution contains particularly positive paragraphs including, inter alia, condemning any use of toxic chemicals, biological agents or toxins as weapons by anyone, anywhere, at any time, and to hold accountable those responsible for any such use; urging all States parties to the BTWC and CWC as a priority to fully comply with all of their obligations undertaken pursuant to those Conventions; calling upon States parties to the BTWC for continued efforts to strengthen that agreement and last but not the least, encouraging Member States to share their views on reviewing the related provisions of the SG Mechanism for Investigation of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons to be reflected in the SG report.

In addition, we believe that resuming multilateral negotiations to conclude a non-discriminatory legally binding protocol to the BWC dealing with all articles of the Convention in a balanced and comprehensive manner, inter alia, through effective verification measures is needed. We hope that this issue along with other proposals will be discussed and duly reflected in the next occasion when the draft is tabled again.

It is our conviction that the BTWC envisaged the Member States to decide on handling any Convention-related issues, therefore the SG mechanism will not be appropriate to utilize.  

Thank You, Mr. Chair!