The U.N. chief said he expects the destruction to be completed on time, “with the possible exception” of the two sites.
After that, the international community and Syria have to agree to a plan to destroy the country's chemical stockpile, which is believed to include mustard gas and the nerve agent sarin.
Uzumcu's report provided details of the 41 facilities -- 18 chemical weapons production facilities, 12 chemical weapons storage facilities, eight mobile units to fill chemical weapons, and three chemical weapons-related facilities.
Syria also submitted information on approximately 1,000 metric tons of Category 1 chemical weapons, largely precursors which are rarely used for peaceful purposes; approximately 290 metric tons of Category 2 substances which are toxic chemicals that pose significant risk; and approximately 1,230 unfilled chemical munitions, which could include rockets, cartridges and mines.
“In addition, the Syrian authorities have reported finding two cylinders not belonging to them, which are believed to contain chemical weapons,” Uzumcu said.
Syria is responsible for the destruction of all facilities, stocks and chemical weapons-related materials. It has sent the OPCW a plan for full destruction of the stockpile that has to be discussed by the group's executive council next month.
Ban said a Syrian list of “requirements” to implement a “security plan” to handle and transport materials chemical weapons-related material within the country contains some items which also “have practical military applications.”
“The United Nations will not procure or otherwise provide such dual-use material to the government,” Ban stressed.
