100% of declared chemical weapons materials destroyed or removed from Syria

[bananas]

Source: United Nations

The Joint Mission welcomes the removal of the remaining 7.2 per cent of chemical weapons material from the Syrian Arab Republic. With this last movement, the total of declared chemical weapons materials destroyed or removed from Syria has reached 100%. The most operationally challenging task within the effort to eliminate the Syrian chemical weapons programme, has come to an end.

In addition to the completion of the removal operation, the Syrian Arab Republic has destroyed all declared production, mixing and filling equipment and munitions, as well as many buildings associated with its declared chemical weapons programme. With the exception of twelve production facilities that are awaiting a decision by the Executive Council of OPCW, all of the declared Syrian chemical weapons programme has been eliminated in an unprecedented timeframe and under uniquely challenging conditions.

The Joint Mission recognizes the constructive cooperation and commitment demonstrated by the Syrian government throughout this complex operation. The Joint Mission is also grateful for the significant support and professionalism demonstrated by the maritime partners – People’s Republic of China, Denmark, Norway, Russian Federation, United Kingdom and the United States – who have provided critical resources and support to the operations. Moreover, the Joint Mission extends its appreciation to the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Lebanon for their facilitation and continuous cooperation.

A new chapter in the elimination process now begins. The Joint Mission thanks the Italian authorities for providing a port for transloading part of the cargo, after which the rest of the materials will be transported onward to the various destruction facilities.

Notwithstanding the progress attained in upholding a global norm on banishing the production and use of chemical weapons, the Joint Mission remains fully mindful of the human tragedy that has befallen the people of Syria. We hope that our contribution will ultimately make a meaningful difference for the Syrian people and the region.

Read more: http://opcw.unmissions.org/AboutOPCWUNJointMission/tabid/54/ctl/Details/mid/651/ItemID/325/Default.aspx

[bananas]

1. Mark this down: Pres. Obama got 100% of declared chemical weapons out of Syria without firing a shot

Thanks to bigtree for his thread in GD:

Mark this down: Pres. Obama got 100% of declared chemical weapons out of Syria without firing a shot

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025138955

[Paolo123]

3. I thought he wanted to go to war over them,

But the people balked, and Putin brokered the agreement. Is that incorrect?

[bananas]

5. Kerry and the press gave Syria a way out.

A reporter asked Kerry if there was any way to avoid war, Kerry said yes, if Syria turned over all it's chemical weapons immediately. Other reporters asked Assad and Putin if they would do this, and they said yes. Reporters kept it going, kept putting these world leaders on the spot, asking these world leaders if they would be willing to take the next step on the path to peace.

[Paolo123]

6. Thanks, I appreciate it. nt.

[bananas]

7. Similar to Clinton and Haiti.

Clinton and Obama didn't want to go to war, but they felt it was their responsibility to use military force.
Carter, Nunn, and Powell went to Haiti and convinced Cedras to step down peacefully.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Uphold_Democracy

[freshwest]

9. Until that time, Syria was not a signatory to the CWC. Then they joined the rest of the nations.

Six UN states are not party to the CWC:

Angola, Burma, Egypt, Israel, North Korea and South Sudan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_Weapons_Convention

I saved the page before that one was edited, Syria was not a member. At that time they joined. Obama is using all the international clout he can muster to end CW.

Most members are actively working or have eliminated all their stockpiles, including Russia and the USA.

It's an improvement that doesn't get media coverage. But the work goes on all the time.

Meanwhile, people are still killing each other!

Although they aren't using things that are simply too dangerous to make or store and pose a permanent risk to the world.

[karynnj]

10. After all three countries said it could possibly happen, Kerry and the Russian FM met

in Geneva and hammered out an agreement. It then had to be passed by the UN. After a short time when it looked like it could come apart as both the US and Russian UN ambassadors tried to improve it in their direction, Kerry and Lavrov again met and agreed on language that meant what they agreed to in Geneva.

[freshwest]

8. Bananas explained it well. EarlG also weighed in at the time:

[intaglio]

12. It's called Dip-lom-acy

Look it up sometime

[TrollBuster9090]

2. Percentage of WMDs eliminated: 100% Percentage of bombs dropped: 0%

Percentage of American soldiers killed in a futile invasion to eliminate said WMDs: 0%

Percentage of Republicans who will still whine about the 'red line' comment: 100%

[Alex P Notkeaton]

4. Republicretins can go eff themselves!

They talk about getting shit done; Obama just does it.

[OnlinePoker]

11. Any of it the Iraqi WMD the Republicans said got moved to Syria after the invasion? n/t

[hugo_from_TN]

13. Gee, I'm glad Assad and his henchman declared all those weapons!.

[Stuart G]

14. At least these will not be used to kill...k and r