Qatar calls for a world free of chemical weapons

Qatar participated in the 106th session of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons' (OPCW) Executive Council, which is being held in Lahay from July 9-12.During the session, Qatar's delegation was headed by ambassador to the Netherlands Dr Mutlaq bin Majid al-Qahtani, who is also the country's representative for OPCW.In his speech, Dr al-Qahtani described OPCW and its Executive Council as an important tool that must be effective in contributing to achieving international peace and security, pointing out the great responsibility that falls on the shoulders of the organisation, its Director-General and the member states.The council exists to ensure the implementation of the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and to achieve the organisation's vision of a world free of chemical weapons, he said, emphasising Qatar's constant pursuit of achieving common goals towards a more peaceful and secure world, based on the principle of co-operation and shared responsibility between member states and the OPCW to confront the common dangers and challenges that the world faces.The ambassador said that among Qatar's efforts in this regard is the role it plays through the Arab Forum for Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation in co-operation with the Arab League, to spread and consolidate the culture of disarmament and arms control, as well as to provide all means to present ideas and exchange opinions, and unify efforts in this area to consolidate the importance of international peace and security.Dr al-Qahtani called on CWC's non-state parties to join the convention, particularly addressing Israel, to make the Middle East a zone free of weapons of mass destruction, pointing out the brutal "war" that Israel is committing against the Palestinian people in Gaza, during which more than 38,000 civilians have been killed — including women and children, by the prohibited weapons that Israel uses, which constitutes a serious violation of international law and international humanitarian law.He stressed Qatar's support for the State of Palestine's request to investigate the extent of Israel's use of prohibited weapons under international law and the relevant agreements in this regard, including CWC as an integral part of international law. He expressed Qatar's strong condemnation of the use of chemical substances and weapons by any party, whether states, non-state actors or terrorist groups, under any circumstances.He also expressed Qatar's support for the organisation's efforts and its investigation mechanisms to continue their work to hold accountable the users of prohibited weapons as a tool of war, considering that strengthening the principle of accountability and international criminal accountability in this regard enhances the role and effectiveness of the organisation, the principle of non-impunity and the rule of law.The ambassador noted the financial contribution made by Qatar to enhance the role of Artificial Intelligence in the organisation's operation and the implementation of CWC, pointing out to the continued consultation with the OPCW's Director-General to open more avenues for co-operation and co-ordination in this regard.