UN official: Syria has a crucial opportunity to resolve the crisis of its chemical weapons program.

The United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, stated that the new political reality in Syria presents a crucial opportunity to resolve long-standing issues regarding the Syrian chemical weapons program. Nakamitsu highlighted during her briefing to the UN Security Council on Thursday evening that there is regular communication with the Secretariat of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, and the Syrian government has shown increasing commitment to full cooperation with the organization. She emphasized that this is a rare opportunity to address 19 outstanding issues related to possible undisclosed or unverified chemical materials and munitions. Nakamitsu praised the Syrian government's commitment to full and transparent cooperation with the organization and its technical secretariat, noting that the work ahead will not be easy and will require support from the international community. She urged Security Council members to unite and provide the necessary support for this unprecedented effort. Nakamitsu reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting the full implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention anywhere and at any time.