The Turkic American Alliance congratulates the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for its 2013 Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee describes the work of the OPCW as the impetus behind international law that defines the use of chemical weapons as taboo.
According to a press statement released by OPCW Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü, “I hope that this award, and our joint mission with the United Nations, will contribute to broader efforts to achieve lasting peace in Syria and end the suffering of its people.”
As of October 16, 2013, the OPCW mission team has conducted verification activities at a total of 11 sites that are identified in Syria’s disclosure. Activities have also included critical equipment destruction at six sites as well as some Category 3 weapons destruction (unloaded CW munitions). Current mission goals include: verification of the disclosure by Syria of its chemical weapons program; identification of key equipment; making production facilities inoperable (“functional destruction”), including mixing/filling plants; and beginning the destruction of Category 3 chemical weapons.
The Turkic American Alliance wishes the OPCW a successful mission in Syria and congratulates Director-General Üzümcü and his team for their 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.
