President, 

I thank High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu for her briefing. I welcome the new Permanent Representative of Syria and the representative of Türkiye at today's meeting. 

As always, China firmly opposes the use of chemical weapons by any country, organization, or individual, under any circumstances, for any purposes. The use of chemical weapons is not to be tolerated at any time, anywhere. We hope for the early realization of a world free of chemical weapons. I wish to make three points. 

First, in addressing the issue of chemical weapons in Syria, dialogue and cooperation are essential. China has noted that the OPCW has continued to interact with the Syrian interim authorities and made positive progress recently. We hope that both sides will maintain the momentum of cooperation and resolve the outstanding issues in a comprehensive and thorough manner. The OPCW should stay committed to its technical nature, strictly perform its duties in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention, provide in a timely fashion the state parties with detailed information on the facilities to be inspected in Syria, and ensure that the next steps are carried out in an impartial, transparent, and secure manner. As a state party to the Convention, Syria has the responsibility to fully fulfill its obligations under the Convention. 

Second, in addressing the issue of chemical weapons in Syria, we should take into full account the counter-terrorism factors. The spate of large-scale violent incidents in Syria highlights the serious threat posed by the terrorist forces entrenched in Syria, which warrants heightened vigilance. We urge the Syrian interim authorities to take all measures to combat all terrorist organizations and individuals listed by the Security Council, including the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement. The destruction of chemical weapons should be carried out in a verifiable manner, so as to prevent dangerous chemicals and chemical weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists.

Third, in addressing the issue of chemical weapons in Syria, a safe and stable environment is necessary. Israel's attacks on Syria seriously violate international law, infringe on Syria's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, and complicate the resolution of the chemical weapons issue in Syria. We call on Israel to cease its military actions against Syria and withdraw immediately from the Syrian territory.

In closing, I wish to emphasize that the issue of chemical weapons in Syria is closely related to the political resolution of the Syria dossier. China expects the Syrian interim authorities to engage in extensive dialogue and consultations with all parties to bridge internal differences, advance an inclusive political transition, and ensure that the rights of all Syrians are protected. We stand ready to work with all parties to promote the early realization of a political transition in Syria and restore peace and stability. 

Thank you, President.