Strange mask protocol at @OPCW#CSP25 - apparently only compulsory when using the microphone. Here is DG Arias addressing conference with unmasked person just behind.
The session seems to have reopened with a new mask protocol in place (Before & after). Another suggestion pertaining to safety: 1) Let the #CSP25 hear from ex-DG Bustani about the threats to his family from the USA. 2) Let's hear those who went to Douma about what they found.
Can the @OPCW please do something about the echo on the sound stream? - thanks. #CSP25
Cuba is concerned about the departure from consensus over the last 2 years. Doesn't agree with the presentation of an omnibus resolution at #CSP25 on budget which includes items for which there is not consensus.
The Netherlands delegate has a unique interpretation of the mask protocol. #csp25
The Chairperson says he has 24 hours to try and reach consensus over the budget & if not there will be a vote regarding 2/3 majority to pass. Clock is now running.
Today sees the start of The Twenty-Fifth Session of the Conference of States Parties #CSP25
We will once again see science & the reports of the OPCW's own scientists ( wikileaks.org/opcw-douma/doc…) being ridden over roughshod in the interests of the US/UK led war party.
Consensus will be abandoned as the US, UK & allies, (a minority of the world's population but a majority of the states in the OPCW) use the #CSP25 for geo-political goals, based on the suppression of the scientific evidence of their own complicity in Syrian chemical attacks.
The focus of the US/UK group will be condemnation of Syria & Russia & pretence the OPCW Technical Secretariat remains a credible body after the Douma cover-up. Russia will argue for a return to consensus & the banning of white phosphorus as a weapon.
The #MH17 trial will be continuing shortly, with Judge Hendrik Steenhuis replying to the defence's requests for further investigation & prosecution's attempts to prevent further investigation.
This is a crucial stage of the pre-trial process as the defence have demonstrated that the JIT "investigation" was focused on finding evidence to back up the "Russia did it" narrative rather than properly investigating the case.
With the parts of the case file presented to them not even containing enough information, according to the counsel for the relatives, to support their civil case, it is clear a comprehensive reinvestigation is necessary.
Today in #MH17 court the prosecution will attack Pulatov's witness statement & continue to argue against the defence requests for further investigation. We may find out more about the basis on which the Dutch government opened up their case against Russia.
Prosecutor: Your court will not investigate the possibility of self-defence. Doesn't apply to #MH17 as you can see from international community's response. Sending troops into another country is a criminal act.
Prosecutor: Any claim for self-defence by the BUK crew can also not apply to Pulatov.
In the last 3 #MH17 court sessions, in laying out requests for further investigation, the defence showed the prosecution case is, at best, a shameful shambles.
Today the prosecution will attempt to stymie any real investigation into how & why the plane was downed.
#MH17 Judge: Counsel for the relatives has made a number of requests including witness statements of M58 & X48 (at firing location) & intercepts allegedly including the accused.
#MH17 Prosecutor: Defence has made over 200 requests for further investigation, with 80 left over from before.
) the defence today continues with its requests for further investigation.
#MH17 Defence: Need to look at satellite images (as did officer 17476) to try and determine if the field near Pervamaiske was the firing location. Images supplied by Geoserve & analysed using QGIS. Image quality poor and images small so defence wishes to question 17476.
#MH17 Defence: Report does not demonstrate 17476 has sufficient expertise in development of fires. Quality of official report images so poor serious study of the matter is not possible - original images should be incorporated in case file.
#MH17 . Today we will see the defence continue to outline their requests for further investigation following yesterday's impressive performance by lawyers Sabine ten Doesschate & Boudewijn van Eijck.
Van Eijck will be picking up following his points regarding the 130 Netherlands Forensic Institute reports about which questions need to be answered regarding the author's expertise, methodology & possible contamination.
#MH17 Judge: Prosecution response to defence requests will be on Thursday.
Prosecution: wants copy of yesterday's Pulatov interview.