Secretary-General Welcomes Russian Federation-United States ‘Understanding’

On Syria’s Chemical Weapons Stockpiles

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the news that Russian Federation Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and United States Secretary of State John Kerry have reached an understanding regarding the safeguarding and destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles.  The Secretary-General looks forward to learning more of this framework agreement and pledges the support of the United Nations in its implementation.  The Secretary-General expresses his fervent hope that the agreement will, first, prevent any future use of chemical weapons in Syria, and second, help pave the path for a political solution to stop the appalling suffering inflicted on the Syrian people.

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For information media • not an official record