14 Sep 2013 16:49

Damascus to start fulfilling chemical weapons disarmament obligations earlier than they come into effect - Lavrov

GENEVA. Sept 14 (Interfax) - Damascus will start fulfilling its chemical weapons disarmament obligations within 30 days, that is, even earlier than the obligations it has assumed on the matter formally come into effect, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

"The starting point in this work was Damascus's decision to join the Chemical Weapons Convention and its willingness to start fulfilling its obligations under this Convention before this Convention formally comes into force for Syria 30 days later. Damascus will start fulfilling its obligations under this Convention significantly earlier," Lavrov said at a press conference following negotiations with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Geneva on Saturday.