PNG backs destruction of chemical weapons

 By JEFFREY ELAPA

PAPUA New Guinea is supporting a United Nations Security Council resolution to destroy chemical weapons in Syria.

Work has already begun on the destruction of chemical weapons in the war-torn country after the security council approved it.

Foreign Affairs Minister Rimbink Pato said PNG strongly supported the decision of the security council and the organisation’s executive council on prohibition of chemical weapons.

He said the decision to destroy chemical weapons in Syria reaffirmed the commitment of the council to eliminate chemical weapons.

“We join the international community in condemning the use of chemical weapons in Syria, and urge full compliance with the provisions of the chemical weapons conventions,” he said.

He commended the council’s resolution to dismantle and eradicate Syria’s weapon programme.

“PNG, therefore, supports the call by the United Nations Secretary General for all parties, including the supporters, to convene the second Geneva conference to continue building the current positive diplomatic momentum,” he said. 

“At the same time, PNG calls on parties to this intractable harm and suffering caused on millions of civilians, particularly, women and children.”

Pato commended the United States and Russia for facilitating the Security Council Resolution on the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons.