Finland supports elimination of Libya’s remaining chemical weapon precursors

In the spring of 2016, Libya requested support from the international community in removing the remaining chemical weapon precursors from the country. The task has been prepared during the summer in the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The operation is led by the OPCW and it is based on UN Resolution 2298 (2016), adopted by the Security Council. The mandate was issued under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

By participating in the Libya operation, Finland wanted to contribute to measures supporting Libya's stabilisation and to help ensure that WMD materials do not fall into the wrong hands. Moreover, Finland has long-term experience of participation in the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Finland is active in arms control matters and in efforts to prevent CBRN threats (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats). Participation in this work supports Nordic cooperation and maintenance and development of Finland's national expertise. Finland also contributed to the removal of Syria’s chemical weapons programme.

Finland was from the start among the countries that participated in the planning and execution of the task. Finland helped the naval operation, led by Denmark, by posting two officers for advisory and expert positions. Additionally, Finland supported the destruction of the remaining chemical weapon precursors by EUR 500,000 via the OPCW.

Chemical weapon precursors were removed from Libya on 27 August 2016. Alongside Denmark and Finland, assistance to the operation was provided by Germany, Spain, Canada, Italy, Malta, France, the United Kingdom and the United States. The materials will be eliminated in Germany. Finnish experts participated in the operation from 22 August to 2 September 2016