BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 11. Estonia has
allocated 10,000 euros to the Organisation for the Prohibition of
Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to support its ongoing efforts in Syria,
particularly in identifying and eliminating the remaining elements
of the country’s former chemical weapons program, Trend reports.
“The OPCW has been working on Syria’s chemical weapons issue for
more than a decade. Now, in cooperation with the country’s new
authorities, it is possible to finally close this chapter — a
significant step toward a world free of chemical weapons. Estonia
is proud to contribute to the OPCW’s Syria mission trust fund and
to support the organization’s vital disarmament work,” said
Estonian Ambassador to the OPCW Paul Teesalu.
OPCW Director-General Fernando Arias welcomed Estonia’s support,
noting that it strengthens the organization’s ability to complete
its mission in Syria and ensure accountability for those
responsible for the use of chemical weapons.
“Estonia’s contribution reinforces the OPCW’s efforts in Syria,
helping to eliminate the country’s chemical weapons program and
uphold global non-proliferation goals. To continue our work in
Syria and future missions, the Technical Secretariat relies on
sustained financial support from member states, such as today’s
contribution from Estonia,” Arias said.
The OPCW, established in 1997 and headquartered in The Hague,
has 193 member states. Its mandate and structure are based on the
Chemical Weapons Convention, which aims for the complete
prohibition and destruction of chemical weapons. Estonia has been a
member since 1999.
The organization also serves as a consultation and cooperation
forum among its members and was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize
for its global disarmament efforts.