National Statement of Armenia at the 94th Session of the OPCW Executive Council

07 July, 2020

STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR TIGRAN BALAYAN, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA TO OPCWAT THE 94^TH SESSION OF THE OPCW EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

7-10 July 2020, The Hague

Mr. Chairperson,

Mr. Director-General,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Armenia has consistently supported the efforts of the international community to exclude completely the possibility of use of the chemical weapons or related hazardous materials, through the implementation of the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

It is regrettable that once again we face the absence of consensus within the policy-making body of the OPCW.

Armenia strongly believes that the Organization should remain a technical body fulfilling its mission in strict accordance with the convention.

Any reports on the cases of use of chemical weapons or related hazardous materials should be a subject of impartial, credible, comprehensive and transparent investigation within established mechanisms and procedures under the Convention and its Annexes. In this regard, Armenia calls upon all sides to cooperate in good faith.

Armenia being not aside observer in Syria, but stakeholder due to presence of tens of thousands of our compatriots, since the eruption of the conflict in 2011, has constantly shown maximal restraint on the international scene on Syria-related issues, calling respective states and International Organizations to show utmost restraint and balanced attitude in assessing the situation in Syria.

Witnessing the hot debates around the IIT report, statements on its possible implications and consequences, we reiterate our position today calling to all state parties to build their actions based on the Convention and its annexes for the best interest of Syrian people, which badly needs international solidarity.

It is necessary to exercise the caution and objectivity in order to avoid mistakes made in the past in connection with hasty and unfounded conclusions and leading to irreparable and destructive consequences.

In closing, Mr. Chairperson, I request that this statement be circulated as an official document of the 94^th session of the Executive council and be posted on the website of the OPCW.

MFA RA
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