OPCW chief meets Russian FM on Syrian CWs

THE HAGUE, March 24 (KUNA) — Director-General of the Organisation for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Ahmet Uzumcu met here Monday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov who attends the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS).
Uzumcu said in statements to the press that he discussed with Lavrov the ongoing OPCW-UN Joint Mission in Syria.
The mission is a product of the US-Russia framework agreement to destroy Syria’s chemical weapons programme, which was announced by Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry last September in Geneva, he noted.
Russia has provided material support for the Syrian government to move its chemical arsenal out of the country, and a Russian warship is providing security in Syria’s territorial waters and at the port of Latakia for the maritime transport operations.
The Director-General commended Russia for its close engagement and vital support to the ongoing mission in Syria, and for the steady progress made by Russia in the destruction of its own remaining chemical weapons stockpiles.
He updated the Russian Foreign Minister on the schedule for destroying the Syrian chemicals and stressed that ongoing engagement by the Russian Federation at all levels will be vital to the success of the mission.
“We are very honoured by your visit to the OPCW – the first by a Russian Foreign Minister – and we appreciate the support that’s been extended by the Russian Federation to our organisation over the past 17 years,” Uzumcu told the press.
On his part Lavrov commended the OPCW for its work in Syria and assured the Director-General of Russia’s continued support for the mission.
“We highly appreciate the professionalism of your people in everything you’re doing and especially in the Syrian operation, it’s something where this professionalism is really needed very much.” Lavrov said.
“I’m glad the operation develops quite satisfactorily, and we have all reasons to believe the timing would be kept,” he added. (end) nk.gb KUNA 242237 Mar 14NNNN