Libya ‘destroys all chemical weapons’

The process of destroying Libya's chemical arsenal began in 2004

The process of destroying Libya's chemical arsenal began in 2004
The process of destroying Libya’s chemical arsenal began in 2004

Libya has destroyed all its chemical arsenal, the country’s foreign minister has announced.

Mohamed Abdelaziz said that this included bombs and artillery shells filled with mustard gas.

In 2004, Libya said it had 25 tonnes of sulphur mustard and several thousand unfilled aerial bombs for use with chemical warfare facilities.

Tripoli has committed itself to getting rid of all its chemical arms by signing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

‘Significant milestone’

“Libya has become totally free of usable chemical weapons that might present a potential threat to the security of local communities, the environment and neighbouring areas,” Mr Abdelaziz said on Tuesday in the capital Tripoli.

He added that this “would not have been possible in such a short time” without international support, including technical assistance from Canada, Germany and the US.

Libya’s foreign minister said the process was completed on 26 January.

Mr Abdelaziz was speaking a joint news conference with Ahmet Uzumcu, the head of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

About Post Author