Saudi Ambassador to the Netherlands, Ziad Al-Attiyah, recently reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation to prohibit all weapons of mass destruction and prevent their proliferation. He stressed the crucial role of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in safeguarding global peace and security. Al-Attiyah condemned the use of chemical weapons and toxic chemicals as weapons under any circumstances, emphasizing that such acts are blatant violations of international law and the Chemical Weapons Convention.
The ambassador highlighted the challenges facing the OPCW and underscored the importance of leveraging all available mechanisms within the organization, including the Chemistry Center and the Scientific Advisory Council, to effectively address these challenges and ensure the Convention’s implementation. He welcomed the upcoming conference in Rabat on the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing the enforcement of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Regarding Syria’s chemical weapons program, Al-Attiyah expressed Saudi Arabia’s delegation’s support for the organization’s consultations with Syria, emphasizing the need for cooperation within a technical framework to resolve outstanding issues.
Furthermore, Al-Attiyah condemned the ongoing violent actions by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip and called for the immediate implementation of recent UN Security Council resolutions aimed at ceasing hostilities in Gaza. He also welcomed Palestine’s request for the Technical Secretariat to monitor developments closely, expressing confidence in the Secretariat’s ability to fulfill its obligations effectively. The ambassador reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support for recent decisions by friendly nations to recognize an independent State of Palestine on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, urging the international community to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people and work towards achieving a just and lasting peace.
In conclusion, Al-Attiyah’s statements reaffirm Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation to prohibit weapons of mass destruction and prevent their proliferation. The ambassador’s strong condemnation of the use of chemical weapons and toxic chemicals as weapons under any circumstances emphasizes the importance of upholding international law and the Chemical Weapons Convention. By highlighting the challenges facing the OPCW and advocating for the organization’s effective implementation of the Convention, Al-Attiyah demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s dedication to maintaining global peace and security. Additionally, the ambassador’s support for resolving outstanding issues in Syria’s chemical weapons program and condemning violent actions in the Gaza Strip underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.
