France backs 'positive' cooperation between Syria, chemical weapons watchdog

​​​​​​​ ISTANBUL

France reiterated its support on Thursday for Syria's "positive" cooperation with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), as efforts continue to eliminate the country's chemical weapons stockpiles.

Paris expressed gratitude to the OPCW for its ongoing work in uncovering chemical attacks linked to the regime of Bashar Assad, which has been held responsible for the use of chemical weapons, the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

France emphasized that the recent progress must translate into "concrete action."

"France will continue its efforts to facilitate cooperation between the Syrian authorities and the OPCW," the statement read, reflecting sentiments expressed by President Emmanuel Macron in recent calls with Syrian transitional authorities.

France, a key supporter of the OPCW, reaffirmed its commitment to providing "concrete support" to the organization in its mission to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons, having contributed €1 million in 2024.

It also highlighted the historic opportunity to dismantle Syria’s chemical weapons following the fall of the Assad regime.

The statement acknowledged the "positive" engagement of the new Syrian authorities, despite the complex challenges they face. This was echoed by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani during his speech at the 108th session of the OPCW Executive Council in The Hague on March 5.

OPCW Director-General announced at the session that a Declaration Assessment Team (DAT) would be deployed to Syria to inventory the country’s chemical weapons sites and stockpiles. This mission is viewed as a critical step in securing the sites and preventing any risk of diversion.

"This mission will support Syrian authorities in securing chemical weapons sites and stocks, which is an urgent imperative to avoid any risk of diversion and dissemination of these weapons," the statement concluded.

The mission is expected to pave the way for the complete and verified destruction of the former regime’s stockpiles.