21 August 2014
Destruction of Syria’s declared chemical weapons material completed
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the destruction of Syria’s declared chemical weapons material on board the US vessel Cape Ray, saying: ‘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 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.
He also urged Syria to build on this milestone to ensure the full elimination of its chemical weapons programme, including the destruction of the remaining production facilities.
Source: UN News Centre | UN chief welcomes destruction of Syria's declared chemical weapons material