U.S. destroys last munitions in chemical weapons arsenal

TORONTO (AA) – U.S. President Joe Biden announced the destruction of the last munitions from the U.S. chemical weapons arsenal.

He said the U.S. has safely destroyed the last munition in its stockpile.

A White House statement said the U.S. has been working to eliminate its chemical weapons stockpile for more than 30 years.

Biden said this demonstrates the long-standing commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention Treaty. He said such weapons should not be developed or used.

He said his administration will continue to encourage other countries to join the Chemical Weapons Convention.

He called on Russia and Syria to comply with the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention and disclose their stockpiles.

Syria is accused of using chemical weapons against its opponents in the war-torn country.

Biden said the U.S. remains committed to preventing the production, stockpiling, or use of chemical weapons around the world.

“I continue to encourage the remaining nations to join the Chemical Weapons Convention so that the global ban on chemical weapons can reach its fullest potential. Russia and Syria should return to compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention and admit their undeclared programs, which have been used to commit brazen atrocities and attacks,” he said.

“I am grateful to the thousands of Americans who gave their time and talents to this noble and challenging mission for more than three decades,” said Biden, reiterating that the US and its partners will not stop until the world is forever ridden of the scourge.