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September 30, 2013

U.N. Security Council Approves Syria Chemical Weapons Deal 
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The U.N. Security Council has approved a resolution to destroy Syria's
chemical weapons stockpile. The measure came out of a U.S.-Russian
agreement earlier this month after the White House threatened to launch
military strikes on Syria, but later opened the door to a diplomatic
solution. Bowing to Russian concerns, the measure does not authorize
automatic military strikes if Syria fails to comply, saying a follow-up
measure would be needed. After the vote, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
welcomed the resolution's approval.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: "I am pleased that the Security Council
has found the unity to address to most significant use of chemical
weapons in decades. I welcome the commitment to safeguard and destroy
Syria's chemical weapons stockpile. The United Nations stands ready to
support this plan in every way possible."

Under the resolution, Syria will be forced to destroy its chemical
production sites in November followed by its entire stockpile by the
middle of next year. Secretary of State John Kerry said the United
States will still seek to hold the Assad regime accountable for last
month's chemical attack in Ghouta.

Secretary of State John Kerry: "On-site inspections of the places that
these weapons are stored will begin by November, and under the terms of
this agreement those weapons will be removed and destroyed by the middle
of next year. Our aim was also to hold the Assad regime publicly
accountable for its horrific use of chemical weapons against its own
people on August 21st. And this resolution makes clear that those
responsible for this heinous act must be held accountable."

 

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