Thank you, Mr. President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3 members, namely, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and my own Country, Liberia.

We thank Mr. Adedeji Ebo, Deputy High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, for his briefing, and we welcome the participation of all representatives. 

At the outset, the A3 reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of the use of chemical weapons anywhere, by anyone, and under any circumstances. We underscore that accountability, cooperation, and verification remain indispensable pillars of upholding the Convention's integrity.

We note the Secretary-General’s letter, which reflects continued progress in implementing Resolution 2118 (2013) and enhanced cooperation between Syria and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). In this regard, we welcome confidence-building developments referenced in the letter, including the OPCW Director-General’s visit to Damascus, the reorganization of Secretariat activities through the Office of the Special Missions, and the agreement on privileges and immunities for OPCW personnel, which together have facilitated improved cooperation. These steps demonstrate the value of sustained engagement and pragmatic arrangements in advancing technical objectives.

We further welcome the successful OPCW deployments noted by the Secretary-General, marked by unprecedented access, cooperation, and the collection of new documents and samples.

The A3 acknowledges the submission by the Syrian authorities of a Concept Plan for the destruction and verification of remaining chemical weapons, as referenced in the letter. We consider this Plan a constructive basis for further technical engagement and urge sustained international support for its implementation.

A3 supports the ongoing work of the OPCW Technical Secretariat, in close collaboration with the Syrian authorities, to address the outstanding issues identified by the Secretary-General, including those involving potentially undeclared chemical warfare agents and munitions.

We also note, as reflected in the letter, reports indicating that additional locations may have been involved in chemical weapons-related activities, and underline the importance of allowing the OPCW to pursue these matters through professional, impartial, and technically grounded mechanisms, including the Office of Special Missions.

Mr. President,

The A3 is deeply concerned that recent security incidents, including those reported in July 2025, have disrupted OPCW activities, noting that such actions directly undermine international verification efforts and risk delaying the closure of this long-standing file.

We call for restraint and the avoidance of actions that undermine the verification efforts or risk further escalation. Respect for territorial integrity remains essential to reducing tensions, preserving regional stability, and protecting civilians. 

 We also underscore the continued threat posed by Da’esh and stress the importance of preventing chemical weapons from falling into the hands of terrorist groups.

In conclusion, the A3 emphasizes that sustainable progress toward the complete elimination of chemical weapons in Syria requires:

cessation of actions that undermine verification efforts;

full and sustained cooperation between the Syrian authorities and the OPCW;

adequate international funding and technical support; and

strict adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.

We therefore encourage continued dialogue and cooperation between Syria and the OPCW, with appropriate international support, to permanently close this file.

Thank you.