Tánaiste congratulates the(OPCW) on winning Nobel Peace Prize

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, T.D., has congratulated the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

“This is a timely recognition of the OPCW’s role in preventing the further use of chemical weapons in Syria. It also recognises their success in advancing the goal of eliminating an entire category of weapon of mass destruction from the world’s arsenals,” the Tánaiste said.

“I was pleased to announce funding last month of €200,000 to support the OPCW’s crucial task of destroying chemical weapons in Syria, where the organisation has demonstrated great leadership, efficiency and effectiveness.”

The Tánaiste paid tribute to the current Director General of the OPCW, Ahmet Uzumcu, to his predecessors and to the staff of the OPCW who are working to effectively implement the global ban on chemical weapons and to oversee the destruction of existing stockpiles.

“We must never forget that the ultimate goal of disarmament, as embodied in the OPCW, is to save lives and protect civilians.”

Ireland is a member of the OPCW Executive Council.