New York, 20 August 2014 – Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the destruction of Syria's declared chemical weapons on board the United States Maritime Vessel Cape Ray:

The Secretary-General welcomes the destruction of the declared chemical weapons material on board the United States Maritime Vessel Cape Ray. This marks a significant achievement in the international community's efforts to eliminate the chemical weapons programme of the Syrian Arab Republic following the framework agreement between the Russian Federation and the United States of America.

The Secretary General appreciates the cooperation of the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic and commends those member states that provided crucial support to this process, as well as the United Nations-Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Joint Mission for its leadership and commitment. He urges the Syrian Arab Republic to build on this historic milestone in order to ensure the full elimination of its chemical weapons programme, including the destruction of the remaining chemical weapons production.

Source: Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General