AI-generated illustration

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said Damascus is working to uncover all aspects of the chemical weapons program left by the ousted Assad regime and to rebuild national capacity. Speaking at a joint press briefing with OPCW Director-General Sabine Dallafior at the Tishreen Palace in Damascus, he said a roadmap to finally close Syria's chemical weapons file was discussed, covering facility identification, a clear timetable and transparent criteria. A joint draft plan is meant to be advanced with the OPCW Technical Secretariat ahead of next month's Conference of States Parties.

Shaibani noted that Syria moved in June to correct declarations inherited from the previous regime, adding a concealed production facility, two storage sites and ammunition to the official record. In August, 42 declared chemical air bombs were destroyed under OPCW supervision, the first verified destruction on Syrian soil since 2014. He also said Syria regained all its rights and privileges within the OPCW on July 9, describing it as a historic milestone backed by unprecedented consensus among member states.

Linking closure of the file to justice for victims, Shaibani said 18 people suspected of involvement in such crimes are in custody. He reported that field work remains difficult because of mines, damaged facilities and records hidden or destroyed by the former regime. On regional issues, he accused Israel of undermining stability in Syria and of arming and funding illegal armed groups in Sweida, urging a return to the 1974 agreement and calling on Israel to engage seriously in US-mediated talks.

Key Takeaways

• 42 chemical air bombs were destroyed in August under OPCW supervision, the first verified destruction in Syria since 2014.
• Syria regained its full rights and privileges within the OPCW on July 9.
• Eighteen people suspected of involvement in chemical weapons crimes are currently detained.