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Ambassador Fernando Arias, Director-General of the OPCW, emphasized that the situation in Ukraine remains an alarming reminder of the threat of the use of chemical weapons in modern conflicts, and stressed the need for enhanced international cooperation to prevent such crimes.
He said this during a speech at the 109th session of the OPCW Executive Council, an Ukrinform correspondent in The Hague reports.
“At the end of last week, information was made public about the use of a wide range of chemicals in Ukraine with alarming frequency, including very dangerous ones. Given the gravity of the information being circulated, the Secretariat will increase its vigilance and continue to closely monitor the situation on and off the frontline. In view of the documented pattern of use, Ukraine and the Secretariat are in discussions on further support for Ukraine under the Convention and relevant decisions of the governing bodies,” Arias said.
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According to him, in parallel with technical assistance visits, the Secretariat continued to provide Ukraine with equipment and training support upon request in accordance with the Convention’s article on assistance and protection.
As previously reported, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has provided a voluntary contribution of £400,000 to support the activities of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s security and protection against chemical threats.
