Russia threatens to block a vote on OPCW 2020 budget

ARK News: In a new development on the issue of the use of chemical weapons in Syria, tension is dominating the situation, as Russia and Western powers prepare for a new confrontation this week during the annual meeting of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, whose investigators are preparing for the first time to identify those responsible for chemical attacks in Syria.

The first report of the Panel of Investigators in charge of identifying the perpetrators of the attacks in Syria is also expected to be published early next year, which has already been a source of tens According to many diplomats, the investigators' report is expected to be published in February or March between the member states of the Hague-based organization.

During the important annual meeting, which runs from Monday to Friday, Moscow is particularly threatening to block voting on the OPCW's 2020 budget if it includes funding for the team of investigators.

A budget freeze could lead to serious problems for the organization, even if the United States, France, and the United Kingdom consider that it has enough support to adopt it with a large majority of votes.

The majority of the 193 member states of the organization in June 2018 voted in favor of strengthening the powers of the organization by allowing them to identify the perpetrator of a chemical attack and not just documenting the use of a chemical weapon.

According to many diplomats, the investigators' report is expected to be published in February or March.

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