US Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Denise Jenkins announced that the world has taken a step closer to a world free from the horrors of chemical weapons. She noted that this is not only a historical moment but also a remarkable achievement by the US government and all the dedicated individuals who have worked for decades to eliminate and destroy this type of weapon. It also demonstrates the strong commitment of the United States to the Chemical Weapons Convention to rid the world of these weapons.
In a press briefing, she stated that this is the first time the "Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons" has verified the complete destruction of this category of weapons of mass destruction. She remarked that while we celebrate this achievement, "we must also acknowledge that the threat of possessing, developing, and using chemical weapons still exists." The United States will continue to support the "Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons" through our commitments and financial support. She emphasized the need to engage with state parties to strengthen this important international body and called on state parties that violate the Chemical Weapons Convention, including Syria and Russia, to return to full compliance with the organization's program.
