India calls for probe into chemical weapons use, warns UNSC over weapons falling terrorist groups

New Delhi, Mar 5: Calling for an objective investigation into the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria, India has urged the United Nations Security Council ( UNSC ) to remain cognizant of the dangers of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of terrorist groups.

 

 

 

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, India's Deputy Permanent Representative-Political Coordinator to the UN R Ravindra said that the activities of terrorists, especially ISIS, have increased in the region and, hence, the Council must remain "cognizant of the dangers of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of terrorist groups".

 

 

In its address at the UNSC, Indian highlighted that terrorism remains the biggest threat to the human rights that are “fundamental to human beings, including freedom of thought, expression, association, and right to life liberty and security”. India said that it has always been at the forefront of global counter terrorism efforts. India at the UNSC also urged the countries not to link humanitarian and development assistance with politics.

 

To highlight its efforts to counter terrorism, India referred to an eight-point Action Plan that was presented by the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the UNSC in January this year. “India supports capacity building and technical assistance programme extended to the member States by the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre, including for building their capacity to promote and support human rights while countering terrorism, under Pillar 4 of UN’s Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy”, India said in its statement.

 

"Terrorist activities, especially ISIS, have increased in the region. We call for a comprehensive and peaceful resolution of the Syrian conflict through a Syrian-led dialogue, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people," he said. He also pointed out that India has contributed to the return of normalcy and rebuilding of Syria through humanitarian assistance and human resource development.

 

 

"India has provided USD 1 million to the OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) Trust Fund for activities relating to the destruction of chemical weapons in Syria. Continued cooperation between Syria and the OPCW Technical Secretariat is critical for the early resolution of all outstanding issues," he said.

 

"Hope that the consultations between Declaration Assessment Team and the Syrian authorities will help in addressing the reported gaps and inconsistencies," India said at the UNSC.