Safe removal of the remaining chemical Weapons from Libya, pending their final elimination

The safe removal of the remaining chemical weapons from Libya, in compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention, constitutes a positive and important development for the stability of Libya. With the materials having reached the designated destruction facility in Germany where they will be safely disposed of, this removes the risk of such weapons falling into the wrong hands.

This operation is yet another example of successful international efforts to assist a State Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention to comply with its obligations, and is a further step towards the target of complete elimination of all chemical arsenals.

I congratulate all those who have worked hard to achieve this outcome: the Director General and staff of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW); the Libyan Government of National Accord itself; as well as those State Parties which contributed to the success of the operation, in particular Denmark which provided the transport vessel and maritime escort, and Germany which provides the destruction facility. The European Union is ready to provide additional assistance if requested.