Syrian Chemical Warfare Agents

Norway and the United States of America have over the course of the last few weeks held extensive discussions and exchanged relevant information on issues related to the possible destruction of Syrian chemical warfare agents in Norway. The considerations have taken place in a constructive and positive atmosphere. The two countries have come to the joint understanding that Norway is not the most suitable location for this destruction.

• These discussions have been based on the decision taken by the UN Security Council on 27 September, which authorizes Member States to acquire, control, transport, transfer and destroy chemical weapons identified by the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), as well as on the two countries’ common desire to contribute to this end.
• The Norwegian authorities have given serious and thorough consideration to the request from the US to assist in the destruction of Syrian chemical warfare agents.
• After a comprehensive assessment, the two countries have come to the joint understanding that due to time constraints and external factors, such as capacities, regulatory requirements, Norway is not the most suitable location for the destruction of Syrian chemical warfare agents.
• Norway will now carefully consider how to support the weapons destruction process, e.g. by contributing personnel, technical expertise, information or equipment, or providing financial or other resources and assistance, in coordination with the OPCW, the UN, and its close partners.