Algeria elected to a senior position in the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons – New Algeria
On Thursday, Algeria elected to represent the African region in the person of Ambassador Salima Abdelhak, Permanent Representative of Algeria to… organized Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to assume the position of Vice-President of the Organization’s Executive Council, for a one-year term starting May 12, 2024.
Ambassador Abdel Haq warned during the discussion at the 105th session of the organization’s Executive Council ban Chemical weapons, held in The Hague from 05 to 08 March 2024, “among the dangers of the re-emergence of chemical weapons and the threat of their use by non-governmental groups, especially in the current circumstance that is witnessing the growth of armed conflicts in all parts of the world,” where it expressed “Algeria’s deep concern regarding the tragedy.” The Palestinian Authority condemned the terrible and shameful actions and acts committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people in flagrant violation of international law.
It also pointed out “the dangers of the occupying power resorting to the use of chemical weapons in its war against the Palestinians, especially since the Israeli occupation is not a member of the Chemical Weapons Convention and is not bound by its provisions.”
In this regard, Ambassador Salima Abdel Haq affirmed “Algeria’s support for the request for assistance submitted by the State of Palestine to the Technical Secretariat related to opening an investigation into the use of this type of weapon in Palestine.” It also called on the Technical Secretariat to “provide Member States on a regular basis with information about the results of these investigations.”
She pointed out, “The tragic and catastrophic situation in Gaza confirms the need for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to continue its efforts to ensure the comprehensiveness of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the compliance of all states with its provisions.”
On the other hand, the ambassador’s statement “shed light on the increasing threat of chemical terrorism due to the proliferation of hotbeds of tension, in which terrorist groups can engage, a threat facilitated by technological development, especially artificial intelligence, which would allow access to techniques for manufacturing and developing chemical weapons.” .
The representative of Algeria called for “strengthening international cooperation based on the directives of the Fifth Review Conference and the work of the Working Group on Terrorism and through implementing the provisions of Article 10 of the Convention to prevent and protect against these threats.”
She also praised “the great success achieved by the regional event represented by the chemical exercise + Shemax Africa 2023 +, which was organized by Algeria in cooperation with the Technical Secretariat of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons during the period extending from September 23 to October 4, 2023, which is considered a model of successful cooperation.” It welcomed “the decision of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to organize its second edition in Africa in 2025 and expand it to the Latin American region.”
Finally, Ambassador Salima Abdelhak expressed “Algeria’s readiness to share experiences and lessons inspired by the first edition of this exercise.”
The election of Algeria, represented by its ambassador to the Netherlands, in the central body of this body, which coincides with the commemoration of International Women’s Day, is further evidence of women’s contribution to Algerian diplomacy and their commitment to strengthening Algeria’s position in international organizations, defending its interests, and preserving its reputation.
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