Syrian deputy foreign minister, Faisal
Mekdad, spoke with BBC’s Anna Holligan about the removal of chemical weapons and
agents from Syria. In the interview Mekdad tells the BBC that the Syrian
government requires international aid in acquiring HGVs (heavy goods vehicle) and
reinforced vehicles to move the chemicals safely from Damascus, through the
turbulent city of Homs, and out to the port of Lattakia where the primary phase
of cargo transportation is set to take place. Mekdad makes the case that
ordinary vehicles would give those he describes as terrorists, the opportunity
to attack and destroy the convoys. Many people may rightfully be wary of giving
the Syrian government further means of armament and mobility; when asked if any
of the equipment was actually dual-purpose Faisal described that idea as
"nonsense" claiming that Syria has no ulterior motives apart from delivering
their weapons stockpile in a timely fashion. It helps to see a person’s demeanor
and conduct in a visual manner, rather than a strictly auditory account since body
language can be a very helpful tool in determining one’s truthfulness. Although
many politicians and government officials can be cunning and sly, from what I
can tell the request seems to be based upon a legitimate concern for the safety
of the civilian populous and those delivering the weapons.
These are legitimate concerns regarding the transport of the weapons. It is really going to be hard no only to disarm and destroy but also transport as the article states is is vulnerable to terrorist attacks. While Syria is indeed responsible for the production of such weapons, it can't be safe in there as there are still ongoing conflicts and it can't be safe to disarm the weapons in Syria. So Mekdad has a valid point in search for aid. Some countries are trying to step in and find resolutions. It's difficult and will be hard to find a "right" way of disarm, there is always going to be those consequences no matter.
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