Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, PR of Latvia to the United Nations at UN Security Council Briefing on Syria’s Chemical Weapons
New York, 4 June 2026
Thank you, Madam President.
Let me also begin by thanking the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Ms. Nakamitsu for her informative briefing, and also the Director-General of the OPCW for the report. And I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic and representative of Türkiye to this meeting.
Madam President,
Latvia would like to emphasize the important example set by Syria. In a time of increased tensions and in a region seized with conflict, the new Syrian authorities are pursuing efforts towards stability, transparency, cooperation with the international community and compliance with international law. The elimination of one of the most dreadful types of weaponry is not just a clear proof of the good faith of the Syrian authorities, but also a powerful signal to states suffering from division and conflict that a new day and a better future are possible.
The use of chemical weapons is completely unacceptable anywhere, at any time and by anyone. It is critical to promptly and comprehensively investigate, identify and destroy all chemical weapons. Transparency and accountability over the brutal crimes perpetrated by the Assad regime against its own people play an integral part in the Syrian transitional justice process.
We therefore note with concern that the turbulent security situation in the region negatively affected the on-going efforts to eliminate chemical weapons in Syria, with the Technical Secretariat of the OPCW having been temporarily withdrawn from the country due to security concerns. Whilst important cooperation continued in the meantime, it is still regrettable that regional escalation delayed these crucial efforts.
We sincerely welcome the renewed deployments of the Technical Secretariat to Syria, the resumption of its activities on the ground and its continued cooperation with the Syrian authorities.
The importance and effectiveness of full and unimpeded cooperation were vividly illustrated by the recent discovery of dozens of previously undeclared chemical munitions and related materiel, as a result of the courageous and dedicated work of the Syrian team. We look forward to receiving further details regarding this on-going deployment and the analyses of these considerable discoveries. In this regard, we also welcome the complimentary role of the recently launched “Breath of Freedom Task Force”, which is led by Syria in another example of its robust commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Madam President,
We continue to stress the need to strengthen and develop the technical capacities and resources of the Syrian authorities in order to eliminate all remnants of the Assad regime’s chemical weapons programme. We reiterate the positive example of the aforementioned Task Force in this regard and hope that further regional and international financial and technical support will follow.
In conclusion, allow me to once again express Latvia's appreciation for the good work of the OPCW and its Technical Secretariat, as well as for the dedicated cooperation of the Syrian authorities. Latvia will continue to remain a committed partner in the pursuit of our common goal - Syria free of chemical weapons.
I thank you!