SINGAPORE’S EXPLANATION OF VOTE ON “IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE PROHIBITION OF THE DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCTION, STOCKPILING AND USE OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS AND ON THEIR DESTRUCTION” AT THE FIRST COMMITTEE, 73RD UNGA, 5 NOVEMBER 2018

Thank you, Mr Chairman.

1                   I am taking the floor to explain my delegation’s vote in favour of the resolution on “Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction” (CWC), L.20.

2                   Recent incidents involving the use of chemical weapons pose a threat to the rules-based international order and are a violation of the international norm against the use of chemical weapons. Singapore condemns the use of chemical weapons by any party under any circumstance, as this constitutes a grave violation of international law. Singapore has therefore consistently supported this resolution.

3                   This year, the resolution recalls the adoption of the Decision C-SS-4/DEC.3 of the Fourth Special Session of the Conference of States Parties in June 2018, and stresses the importance of the implementation of this Decision in accordance with the CWC.

4                   Singapore had voted in favour of the Decision earlier this year, to ensure that there was effective implementation of the Convention, which includes addressing any issues of non-compliance or contravention of its provisions. We stress that any proposals to strengthen the capability of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Technical Secretariat and any proposal put forth by the Director-General on the provision of technical expertise to States Parties to identify perpetrators, organisers, sponsors and those otherwise involved in the use of chemical weapons should involve inclusive and comprehensive consultations with States Parties, in accordance with the Convention. 

5                   We take note of the plans that have been circulated by the Director-General, and look forward to the proposals of the Director-General concerning OP20 of Decision C-SS-4/DEC.3. Our view remains that there should be inclusive consultations with States Parties, to ensure that the decision-making process is effective, transparent, and accountable.

6                   In conclusion, Singapore takes its international obligations under the CWC seriously. We support the work of the OPCW, which should be carried out in a comprehensive, objective and impartial manner.

7                   I thank you, Mr Chairman.

.    .    .    .    .