Delivered by Permanent Representative of Estonia to UN Mr. Sven Jürgenson
I thank the High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu for her briefing.
I commend the OPCW Technical Secretariat for their efforts to continue their work under the conditions of the coronavirus pandemic. We note, however, with regret the continued lack of cooperation on the part of Syrian Arab Republic to clarify the outstanding issues regarding their initial declaration and their failure to respond to the questions posed by the OPCW in a timely and adequate manner. It has been this way for five years and it is inexcusable.
Last month we had the privilege of having Mr Arias and Mr Oñate brief the Council on the first IIT report. I am very grateful to both of them for taking the time to explain the mandate and criteria for the creation of the IIT, its working methods, the considerations regarding the incidents under investigation, and the findings that led to the conclusion that there were reasonable grounds to believe that the perpetrators belonged to the Syrian Arab Air Force. It is, therefore, unfortunate that the members of the Council who have been most critical about the OPCW investigative mechanisms and their findings, chose not to participate in the meeting. I am sure that all their questions would have been answered.
Colleagues, by adopting the Security Council Resolution 2118, the Council expressed its firm position that those responsible for the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic must be held accountable. Most of us reiterate the very same position during our monthly meetings. These words need to be backed up by action now. In addition to the clear evidence provided by the IIT report, the Joint Investigative Mechanism has determined four instances where the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons against its own people. Now altogether in nine cases, the perpetrators of the use of chemical weapons in Syria have been identified. Many more confirmed and alleged cases of the use of chemical weapons in Syria still need to be investigated.
Opting for inaction and procrastination, the Council is simply not meeting its responsibilities under the resolution 2118. It is not showing respect to the victims of these attacks and it is not showing respect to international law.
We call again on the Council to speak with one voice to condemn the use of chemical weapons, work towards preventing impunity and ensure accountability for these heinous crimes.