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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Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry says 19 citizens have been repatriated following a deadly drone attack on two cargo ships in the Sea of Azov on 5 June.
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Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported that Trump had privately told Benjamin Netanyahu “be careful, or you will be on your own very soon”.
Ukraine's military said it struck a Russian "shadow fleet" tanker in the Black Sea as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Moscow's energy and logistics networks. The move underscores Kyiv's focus on targeting maritime assets it says are used to bypass sanctions on Russian oil exports.
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As global diplomatic dynamics continue to evolve, the European Union is reassessing its ability to respond effectively to major international developments, prompting renewed debate over defence coordination, foreign policy decision-making and institutional reform.
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