merrion street

On the 29th of June 2020, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney T.D. met with the Director General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Fernando Arias.
Minister Coveney took the opportunity to outline Ireland’s strong commitment to the OPCW and to express Ireland’s concern at Syria’s continued non-compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention.
The meeting follows Ireland’s recent contribution of €100,000 to the Trust Fund for Syria Missions at the OPCW. Ireland’s contribution aims to assist in the full elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons programme and to support the OCPW’s work examining chemical weapons use in Syria.
Speaking after the meeting, Minister Coveney said:
“Ireland is a longstanding supporter of the OPCW in its vital role in the global prohibition of chemical weapons. We will continue to work with the international community to prevent impunity and uphold the integrity of the Chemical Weapons Convention. It is crucial that we enable the OPCW to undertake its vital work in ensuring the elimination of chemical weapons and seeking accountability for perpetrators of chemical weapons attacks. In this regard, Ireland recently demonstrated our commitment to the Trust Fund for Syria Missions by contributing €100,000 in support of its activities”.

**Background**
As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Ireland has been an active member of the OPCW since the Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force in 1997.

Over 98% of all declared chemical weapon stockpiles have been destroyed under OPCW verification.
The Trust Fund for Syria Missions supports the OPCW’s missions and contingency operations specifically related to the Syrian Arab Republic.
The OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.

**ENDS**