Türkiye backs Syrian-led chemical weapons cleanup, urges international support

Türkiye welcomed Thursday the progress made in identifying and eliminating the remnants of Syria’s chemical weapons programme, praising the Syrian government’s cooperation with international inspectors. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting, Turkish Ambassador Ahmet Yildiz described Syria’s chemical weapons dossier as “one of the most tragic and disturbing legacies of the Assad era.”

Grounds for optimism

Despite challenges, Yildiz said recent developments have created “grounds for optimism,” pointing to the Syrian government’s willingness to work closely with the OPCW Technical Secretariat. He commended both sides for their joint efforts in locating remnants of the former regime’s clandestine chemical weapons programme, including undeclared munitions, agents, equipment, and documentation. Yildiz described the discoveries as an “important step” toward fully eliminating the former chemical weapons infrastructure.

Breath of Freedom Task Force

Yildiz highlighted the role of the Breath of Freedom Task Force, an initiative that helps align international assistance with Syria’s operational needs. Türkiye hosted the task force’s first workshop in Ankara on February 16‑17 and looks forward to its next meeting in The Hague. “We are encouraged by the Syrian government’s stated commitment to ensuring accountability for chemical weapons attacks. The time is ripe to reinstate the suspended rights and privileges of Syria under the Chemical Weapons Convention,” Yildiz said, urging all member states to support efforts to secure and destroy remaining chemical materials.