Madame President,

At the outset, we wish to congratulate you on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council.
We also commend the new members of the Council and wish them success.

Madame President,

There is one clear take-away from the 99th monthly report of the Director General:

The Syrian regime continues to violate its treaty obligations.

The OPCW is still not in a position to confirm that the chemical weapons declaration presented by the Syrian regime is accurate and complete.

Despite repeated calls, the Assad regime continuously fails to provide information that would help to uncover the true nature and scope of its chemical weapons programme.

The declaration is full of inconsistencies, identified gaps, and discrepancies.

Indeed, there are at least twenty outstanding issues in the regime’s declaration.

In this context, the discovery of a chemical weapons production facility in Syria further deepens our concern.

The regime’s refusal to provide information on this site, is a flagrant violation of its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and resolution twenty one eighteen.

Moreover, the Assad regime must still account for the unauthorized movement of two chlorine cylinders related to the Douma chemical attack.

The non-issuance of visas for the officials of the Technical Secretariat is yet another concrete example of the regime’s non-compliance.

This pattern of behaviour is unacceptable and requires a strong message from this Council.

We once again call on the Security Council to act in unity to achieve the full implementation of resolution twenty one eighteen.

Madame President,

Türkiye strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons anywhere, by anyone, under any circumstances.

Throughout the Syrian conflict, the Assad regime has repeatedly resorted to using chemical weapons against its own people.

The audacity of the Assad regime, demonstrates the grave consequences of impunity – yet, its track record continues growing to this day.

We once again remind those who embolden the Assad regime, of their responsibility under the Charter of the United Nations.

We cannot turn our backs on the innocent civilians in Syria, who have suffered unimaginable horrors, whose lungs have been ravaged by chemical weapons, and whose children deserve a future, free from fear.

Türkiye will continue to support efforts to end impunity - which is an essential pre-requisite for justice and lasting peace in Syria.

We repeat our support for the objective, impartial, and professional investigations conducted by the OPCW Technical Secretariat.

Thank you.