UN Chief Welcomes Destruction of Syria's Declared Chemical Weapons Material
The US Vessel Cape Ray on which all 581 metric tonnes of a precursor chemical for sarin gas removed from Syria were
destroyed while sailing in international waters. Photo: US Dept. of Transportation
20 August 2014
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomes the destruction of Syria’s declared chemical weapons material on board the United States Maritime
Vessel Cape Ray.
“This marks a significant achievement in the international community’s efforts to eliminate the chemical weapons
programme of the Syrian Arab Republic following the framework agreement between the Russian Federation and the United
States of America,” the UN chief said in a statement issued by his spokesperson in New York.
The Secretary-General appreciates the cooperation of the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic and commends the Member
States that provided crucial support to the process, as well as the United Nations-Organisation for the Prohibition of
Chemical Weapons Joint Mission for its leadership and commitment.
Mr. Ban urged Syria to build on this historic milestone to ensure the full elimination of its chemical weapons
programme, including the destruction of the remaining production facilities.
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