Türkiye’s United Nations envoy called on the international community on Thursday to maintain strong support for the elimination of Syria’s remaining chemical weapons, stressing that the task is both a legal obligation and a critical priority for regional security and humanitarian protection.
In a UN Security Council session, Ahmet Yildiz welcomed steps taken by Syria’s new authorities, noting that Syrians last month marked the first anniversary of their December 2024 liberation “with a sense of hope and optimism.” He acknowledged the Syrian government’s commitment to stability, governance, and citizens’ well-being.
“Much remains to be accomplished,” Yildiz said, emphasising that eliminating chemical weapons capabilities is a legal requirement under the Chemical Weapons Convention and a vital security and humanitarian imperative. He added that the Syrian government cannot complete the task alone due to the technical, operational, and financial complexities involved.
Yildiz urged the international community to seize an “historic opportunity” to provide long-term, sustained support, adding that Türkiye is ready to continue its assistance alongside the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Addressing regional tensions, Yildiz warned that Israel’s airstrikes and hybrid military operations in Syria have damaged former chemical weapons sites, endangered civilians, and disrupted OPCW missions. He called on the international community to ensure such actions are restrained.
Chemical weapons use in Syria dates back to at least August 2013, when sarin gas attacks on Ghouta killed more than 1,400 people. Syria joined the OPCW later that year. Subsequent confirmed attacks in Al-Lataminah (2017) and Idlib (2018) led to partial suspension of Syria’s membership rights.
Since the departure of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, following nearly 25 years in power, Syria has been under new leadership, with President Ahmed al-Sharaa meeting OPCW officials in February 2025 to advance disarmament efforts.
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Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) held talks on Thursday to prepare a new programme providing expanded financing for 2026–2029, aimed at supporting the country’s economy and reconstruction efforts amid ongoing Russian attacks.
President Donald Trump announced Thursday evening that the long-awaited “Board of Peace” to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction has officially been formed.
At least 18 people were injured on Thursday after a stun grenade exploded at an Interior Ministry vocational training centre in Russia’s Republic of Komi, according to state media.
The Trump administration will suspend all visa processing for visitors from 75 countries beginning 21 January 2026, according to a State Department memo reported by media.
At least four people were injured after a large fire and explosions hit a residential building in the Dutch city of Utrecht, authorities said.
Sweden is sending a group of military officers to Greenland at Denmark’s request, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday, as Nordic countries and NATO allies step up coordination around the Arctic territory.
Saudi Arabia has informed Iran that it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for any military action against Tehran, according to two sources close to the kingdom’s government cited by AFP.
Romania has reiterated its openness to discussions on a potential unification with neighbouring Republic of Moldova, following recent remarks by Moldova’s president.
Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) held talks on Thursday to prepare a new programme providing expanded financing for 2026–2029, aimed at supporting the country’s economy and reconstruction efforts amid ongoing Russian attacks.
President Donald Trump announced Thursday evening that the long-awaited “Board of Peace” to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction has officially been formed.
At least 18 people were injured on Thursday after a stun grenade exploded at an Interior Ministry vocational training centre in Russia’s Republic of Komi, according to state media.
The White House said Thursday that Iranian authorities have stopped 800 executions that were scheduled amid ongoing protests, as the U.S. continues to monitor events in Tehran closely.
The White House says a meeting between Vice President JD Vance and Danish officials over Greenland was "productive."
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