Chemical weapons watchdog restores Syria’s voting rights, citing progress

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has reinstated Syria's voting rights, citing concrete steps taken by the new leadership to address outstanding chemical weapons issues. Syria's voting rights were suspended in 2021 due to its former government's failure to declare its chemical weapons program and repeated use of poison gas. Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in 2024, the new Syrian authorities, under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, committed to fulfilling obligations and have cooperated with the OPCW's Technical Secretariat. Actions include facilitating verification and beginning the destruction of identified remnants. OPCW Director-General Fernando Arias stated these decisions reflect tangible progress achieved through cooperation and constructive engagement.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has reinstated Syria's voting rights, rewarding Damascus for its cooperation and willingness to destroy hidden chemical weapons stockpiles. This decision by the OPCW's executive council marks a new era of cooperation following the ouster of former President Bashar Assad in 2024. Syria's voting rights were suspended in 2019 due to repeated use of toxic gas. Recent cooperation has led to the discovery of dozens of chemical bombs and rockets from the Assad era, with plans approved to destroy some of this newly declared stockpile. OPCW Director-General Fernando Arias stated the decision reflects tangible progress through continued engagement. This development follows the U.S. announcement of removing Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.