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Syria chemical weapons: Security 'slows transport' | Syria chemical weapons: Security 'slows transport' |
(35 minutes later) | |
The head of the UN body tasked with removing and destroying Syria's chemical arsenal says the process has been slowed down by security concerns. | The head of the UN body tasked with removing and destroying Syria's chemical arsenal says the process has been slowed down by security concerns. |
Ahmet Uzumcu said the amount of chemicals transported to the Syrian port of Latakia for shipping so far was not that high. | Ahmet Uzumcu said the amount of chemicals transported to the Syrian port of Latakia for shipping so far was not that high. |
But he expressed confidence the arms would be destroyed by the end of June. | But he expressed confidence the arms would be destroyed by the end of June. |
Removing the most dangerous chemicals is the first step of a UN-backed deal to eliminate Syria's chemical arsenal. | Removing the most dangerous chemicals is the first step of a UN-backed deal to eliminate Syria's chemical arsenal. |
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) set a deadline of 31 March for this first stage, with all Syria's chemical arms stockpile to be destroyed by 30 June. | The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) set a deadline of 31 March for this first stage, with all Syria's chemical arms stockpile to be destroyed by 30 June. |
Meanwhile, Italy has confirmed that its southern port of Gioia Tauro will be used as the base for the chemicals to be transferred from cargo ships to a US military vessel for destruction, angering local officials. | |
Fraction removed | |
Mr Uzumcu, speaking in Rome, said the transport delays were due to technical problems and the obvious difficulties of operating in a warzone. | |
But he said additional measures had been put in place to help smooth the transportation. | But he said additional measures had been put in place to help smooth the transportation. |
The OPCW would "do our best to meet" the end of June deadline, he added. | The OPCW would "do our best to meet" the end of June deadline, he added. |
The Syrian authorities are responsible for packing and safely transporting the chemical weapons to Latakia. | The Syrian authorities are responsible for packing and safely transporting the chemical weapons to Latakia. |
Denmark and Norway are providing cargo ships and military escorts to take them to Italy, where they will loaded onto a US Maritime Administration cargo ship, MV Cape Ray. | |
The materials be destroyed in international waters by a process known as hydrolysis. | |
Italy's Transport Minister Maurizio Lupi confirmed on Thursday that Gioia Tauro would handle the transfer, stressing that none of the cargo would come ashore. | |
But the town's Mayor, Renato Bellofiore, told the BBC he was not consulted over the plan, only hearing of it through the media. | |
"Democracy has been trampled on," he said. "We are not ready for this as a population. Is there an evacuation plan? A rescue plan?" | |
"We are extremely worried. An accident may be unlikely, but it is not impossible." | |
He accused the United Nations of making his town "a dumping ground" for chemical weapons. | |
International outrage | International outrage |
Syria continues to be ravaged by the conflict which began with the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad in March 2011. | Syria continues to be ravaged by the conflict which began with the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad in March 2011. |
The decision on Syria's chemical weapons stockpile arose from confirmation of a sarin attack in Damascus on 21 August. | The decision on Syria's chemical weapons stockpile arose from confirmation of a sarin attack in Damascus on 21 August. |
It killed hundreds, provoked international outrage and led to a US-Russia deal to destroy the weapons. | It killed hundreds, provoked international outrage and led to a US-Russia deal to destroy the weapons. |
The UN says more than 100,000 people have died since the Syrian conflict began. An estimated two million people have fled Syria and some 6.5 million have been displaced internally. | The UN says more than 100,000 people have died since the Syrian conflict began. An estimated two million people have fled Syria and some 6.5 million have been displaced internally. |
Government officials are due to attend peace talks - known as Geneva II - in Switzerland next week. | Government officials are due to attend peace talks - known as Geneva II - in Switzerland next week. |
However, the main opposition alliance, the National Coalition, has still not decided whether or not to take part. | However, the main opposition alliance, the National Coalition, has still not decided whether or not to take part. |
It is due to meet in Istanbul for a vote on Friday amid growing pressure from the West. | It is due to meet in Istanbul for a vote on Friday amid growing pressure from the West. |
How the plan will unfold | How the plan will unfold |