“This marks a significant achievement in the international community’s efforts to eliminate the chemical weapons programme of the Syrian Arab Republic following the framework agreement between the Russian Federation and the United States of America,” the UN chief said in a statement issued by his spokesperson in New York.

The Secretary-General appreciates the cooperation of the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic and commends the Member States that provided crucial support to the process, as well as the United Nations-Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Joint Mission for its leadership and commitment.

 Ban urged Syria to build on this historic milestone to ensure the full elimination of its chemical weapons programme, including the destruction of the remaining production facilities.

The US Vessel Cape Ray on which all 581 metric tonnes of a precursor chemical for sarin gas removed from Syria were destroyed while sailing in international waters. Photo: US Dept. of Transportation