Syria: OPCW adopts detailed plan for destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles

Photograph by Bixentro

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) have adopted a detailed plan for the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles by mid-2014.

The announcement comes on the final day before the deadline set under the Russia-US plan, despite an earlier setback when Albania announced that they would not host the destruction of chemical weapons on their soil. Where the wepaons will now be destroyed was not disclosed in the plans.

OPCW Director General Ahmet Ümzücü said:

“The plan provides a clear roadmap. It sets ambitious milestones to be met by the Government of Syria. This next phase will be the most challenging and its timely execution will require the existence of a secure environment for the verification and transport of chemical weapons. Continuing international support and assistance for this endeavour will remain crucial.”

The plan envisions the removal of all declared chemical substances and precursors, except for isopropanol, from Syria no later than 5 February 2014 with the “most critical” chemicals to be transported out of Syria by 31 December 2013. Syrian declared chemical weapons facilities, will undergo sequenced destruction from 15 December 2013 to 15 March 2014 according to a risk-based criterion.

Outside of Syria, the destruction of the priority chemical weapons will be completed by 31 March 2014 and all other declared chemical materials by 30 June 2014.