Poland urges Syria to make no delay in chemical weapons deal

Polish FM Radek Sikorski speaking to journalists on 11.09.2013. Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymanski

In a statement released on Thursday, the ministry stressed that “in accordance with the declaration of the Syrian authorities, we expect Syria to accede to the Convention on Chemical Weapons without delay.

“We call on the Syrian authorities to fully cooperate with the international community in this matter,” the statement continued.

The ministry referred to its own role in the convention, noting that “Poland has been involved in the process of its implementation and universalization in the United Nations.”

President Barack Obama said earlier this week that he was “absolutely” prepared to hold back on prospective strikes against Syria, if it cooperated in the convention.

Poland's foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski had himself urged caution on Saturday at a NATO conference in Riga, as regards strikes.

Sikorski said that national leaders should “think about the consequences before plunging in” with military might.

“Do we want another Iraq?” he questioned.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk already confirmed on August 28 that Poland would not take part in any prospective strikes.

Today, the foreign ministry declared that “we shall continue to seek diplomatic solutions, being well aware that their effectiveness depends on the determination of the international community and the full cooperation of the Syrian authorities.”

Meanwhile, the bloodshed continues in Syria, with insurgents from an al Qaeda-linked group killing 12 members of the minority Alawite sect in central Syria after taking their village, Reuters reported. The Alawites dominate the political elite in Syria.

The United Nations has estimated that over 100,000 people have died in Syria as a result of the conflict since March 2011. (nh)

Source: msz.gov.pl