The Government of France has contributed EUR 1 million to the Trust Fund for Syria Missions and EUR 30,000 to the Trust Fund for the Implementation of Article VII.
The contribution for the Trust Fund for Syria Missions will enable the OPCW to continue its independent technical work in Syria, including verification activities, deployment of expert missions, and efforts to clarify outstanding issues related to the chemical weapons programme inherited from the Assad's government. The OPCW's work in Syria remains central to the Organisation's mission to uphold the global norm against chemical weapons.
The contribution to the Trust Fund for the Implementation of Article VII will be used to organise a Workshop on Preventing Illicit Transfers of Toxic Chemicals. The workshop will strengthen the capacity of customs officers and other relevant stakeholders from Francophone OPCW Member States in Africa to enforce the Chemical Weapons Convention's transfer regimes and safeguard the safety and security of global chemical supply chains.
Permanent Representative of the French Republic, Mr François Alabrune stated: "I am particularly honored to announce this new voluntary contribution from France at a crucial time for the Organisation, whose mandate remains essential today. Given the evolution of the situation in Syria, the Secretariat needs the support of States Parties more than ever in order to have the necessary funds to maintain a permanent presence in Syria, carry out its missions, and close the Syrian chemical dossier. We are delighted to be able to make this new contribution."
"We are also pleased to be able to participate in the activities carried out by the OPCW in order to strengthen the capacities of African States Parties, in particular through the training Course on preventing illicit transfers of chemicals for Francophone Africa."
To date, France has provided over EUR 11 million voluntary contributions to strengthen the Organisation's activities.
Voluntary contributions from Member States provide resources and the flexibility needed to respond to operational requirements and ensure the Technical Secretariat can continue implementing its mandate effectively.
