The Secretary-General met today with Ms. Virginia Gamba, Head of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) established by Security Council resolution 2235 (2015) on the use of chemicals as weapons in Syria, as well as Mr. Adrian Neritani and Mr. Eberhard Schanze, the Deputies to the Head, together comprising the Leadership Panel of the Joint Investigative Mechanism.

The Secretary-General congratulated the members of the JIM Leadership Panel on their respective appointments, and expressed his confidence in their ability to lead the work of the JIM with utmost integrity and professionalism.

Ms. Gamba provided an update on the progress made toward bringing the JIM to full operations. The Secretary-General and JIM Leadership Panel agreed on the importance of the JIM’s independence and impartiality.

The Secretary-General expressed concern at the continuing allegations of the use of chemical as weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic and reiterated his condemnation of any use of chemical weapons. In this context, the Secretary-General underlined that the unique mandate of the JIM demonstrates the determination of the international community to hold those who use chemical weapons accountable.