Latest news with #Nakamitsu
Scoop
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
UN Hails New Era Of Cooperation Over Syria's Chemical Weapons Stockpile
5 June 2025 However, serious concerns remain over potential undeclared stockpiles and more than a decade of incomplete or inconsistent disclosures by Syria, raising doubts about full compliance. Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council on Wednesday, Izumi Nakamitsu, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, said that recent missions by the international chemical weapons watchdog (OPCW) had made 'meaningful progress' toward verifying the full extent of Syria's suspected arsenal – a process long hindered by lack of access under the previous regime. Transparent cooperation Two OPCW deployments took place in March and April, with inspectors visiting a dozen sites in and around Damascus, including key facilities of the Scientific Studies and Research Centre (SSRC) – long believed to be central to Syria's weapons programme. During the April visit, samples were collected for laboratory analysis and experts met with newly appointed Syrian officials, including the new Director-General of the SSRC. 'For both deployments, the interim Syrian authorities extended all necessary support for the OPCW team's activities,' Ms. Nakamitsu said, noting that this included full access to sites and personnel, security escorts and issuance of visas. 'The commitment of the new authorities in Syria to fully and transparently cooperate with the OPCW Technical Secretariat is commendable.' Challenges remain Nevertheless, challenges remain. Of the 26 issues originally flagged by the OPCW regarding Syria's 2013 chemical weapons declaration, 19 are still unresolved – including potentially undeclared chemical agents and munitions, which remain matters of 'serious concern,' according to the watchdog. Resolution 2118, adopted unanimously by the Security Council following a deadly sarin gas attack in Ghouta, requires Syria to fully declare and destroy all chemical weapons under international supervision. The Ghouta chemical attack occurred on 21 August 2013, when rockets filled with a nerve agent struck the eastern suburb of Damascus, reportedly killing more than 1,000 people, including hundreds of children. A UN investigation confirmed that sarin gas was used in the attack. Despite joining the Chemical Weapons Convention that year, the Assad regime – which was toppled last December – made 20 amendments to its initial declaration without satisfying OPCW verification standards. Difficult road ahead Ms. Nakamitsu urged Security Council members to unite over the Syria dossier, emphasising that long-term disarmament and non-proliferation there would require additional international support and resources. 'The work ahead will not be easy,' she said, noting the need for training and equipment support to prevent the reemergence of chemical weapons and to enable the national authorities to investigate chemical weapons issues effectively. ' The United Nations stands ready to support and will continue to do our part to uphold the norm against the use of chemical weapons – anywhere, at any time. '
The Mainichi
06-05-2025
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Young trees from Hiroshima planted at UN as symbol of peacebuilding
NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Two saplings from Hiroshima were planted Monday at the United Nations in New York as a symbol of global peacebuilding efforts as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombings of Japan as well as the establishment of the world body. Izumi Nakamitsu, U.N. undersecretary general for disarmament affairs, said during a planting ceremony that the young persimmon trees grew from seeds that survived the 1945 nuclear attack on the Japanese city and she hopes they will endure for another 80 years and beyond. Describing the trees as "a symbol of peace" and "resilience," Nakamitsu also said, "What we all need to remember is that we can make peace and build peace if we are together." Harold Agyeman, Ghana's top U.N. envoy who chairs a panel related to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, said he hopes the trees will be "a symbol of our united resolve and determined aspiration to make the United Nations a pillar of hope for the needs of the peoples of the world during our times." Agyeman heads the preparatory committee for next year's U.N. conference to review the implementation of the treaty. Kazuyuki Yamazaki, Japan's ambassador to the United Nations, also attended the ceremony.
Times of Oman
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
UN calls on states to take decisive action to support nuclear weapons ban treaty
New York: UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu affirmed that the dramatically evolving geopolitical tensions amid the dangerous nuclear rhetoric and threats are a stark wake-up call for States to take action to support the legally binding Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. During the third meeting of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons held at the UN Headquarters in New York, Nakamitsu expressed concern that the current unpredictable situations may exacerbate the public's fear and would increase belief in the "false narrative" that nuclear weapons are "the ultimate provider of security". She explained that there are reasons for hope in the face of this challenging outlook, referring to what she described as "the growing global recognition of the devastating impact of those weapons." The UN official said that the growing membership of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons also gives more hope. To date, 73 States have ratified or acceded to the treaty and 94 have signed it, Nakamitsu added. The meeting, which continues until 7 March 2025, discusses the catastrophic risks for humanity of nuclear conflict and its devastating humanitarian consequences of serious environmental remediation. The meeting's agenda also focuses on preparing for the first review conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and discussing ways to strengthen the agreement and ensure its effective implementation. The participating States are scheduled to adopt a political declaration before the meeting concludes this Friday, reflecting the international community's commitment to continuing efforts towards a world free of nuclear weapons.
