Speaking during the meeting, Zarif said the Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the victims of the chemical weapons use by the regime of Saddam during the eight-year Imposed War emphasizing Iran’s fundamental principle against any use of chemical weapons.
He added that the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently emphasized that no group has the right to use chemical weapons in armed conflict, while unfortunately the ISIL terrorist group used chemical weapons in Syria.
Elsewhere, Zarif stressed on the necessity of international inspections to verify the use of chemical weapons in Khan Shaykhun noting the recent reports on the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian region, and noted Iran’s readiness to cooperate with OPCW in this regard.
Ahmet Üzümcü, for his part, underlining Iran’s support for the organization, hailed Islamic Republic's .longstanding cooperation with the Chemical Weapons Convention.
He also pointed out that his trip to Iran coincided with the 13th anniversary of the Iraqi regime's chemical attack on Sardasht, adding as director-general of the OPCW, "I always issue statements on the anniversary of the event."
Üzümcü also praised Iran’s readiness for cooperation in investigating the use of chemical weapons in Syria, adding that the Chemical Weapons Organization is currently investigating it in Khan Shaykhun region of Syria.
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