Post date: Dec 17, 2013 1:35:0 PM
Members of the Hague-based global chemical weapons watchdog meet to discuss the removal and destruction of Syria's chemical arms.
THE HAGUE, THE NETHERLANDS (DECEMBER 17, 2013) (REUTERS) - Executive council members of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) were meeting on Tuesday (December 17) in the Hague to discuss the removal and destruction of Syria's chemical arms.
Taking place behind closed doors, the global watchdog for chemical weapons is expected to work out the details of how to safely remove Syria's most dangerous chemical weapons out of the war-torn country and how to subsequently destroy them.The OPCW has been charged with supervising the destruction of Syria's chemical arsenal following a sarin gas attack on the outskirts of Damascus in August which killed hundreds of people. The deal, in part brokered by Russia, averted U.S. missile strikes.
According to the deal, the most dangerous chemical weapons would have to be removed by Dec. 31 while weapons in a second category have to be shipped out by Feb. 5.
But earlier this month the OPCW said they might not make the Dec. 31 deadline due to the difficulties of operating during a civil war.
The weapons will be taken out of Syria on a cargo vessel but authorities still have not yet picked the port where their destruction can be carried out.