Thread by @gregkoblentz

The @OPCW decision on Syrian non-compliance with the #CWC has been published. You can read it here:
opcw.org/sites/default/…

A couple of observations.
The only immediate effect is that Syria is not allowed to vote or hold any positions at @OPCW
This is a slap on the wrist given how blatant and brazen Syria's violations of the #CWC have been. However, the decision is a milestone in accountability.

Members of the @OPCW can and should do more. If Syria remains in non-compliance with the #CWC by the next Conf of States Parties, the Conf should refer the case to UNSC. Yes, I know Russia will use its veto to protect Syria--but (at least) 3 good reasons to do so.

1. Will provide very public platform for evidence of Syrian non-compliance, including use of CW. @OPCW has not been a good forum for that so far.
2. Force Russia to pay a heavy diplomatic price for supporting its CW-using, treaty-breaking ally.

2 (cont). That Russia and Syria were only able to muster 13 other No votes means they are isolated.
3. Members of @OPCW need to use every avenue under the #CWC to bring Syria back into compliance--cannot leave UNSC referral unused just because of possible Russian veto.

4. The alternative is allowing Syria to remain member of #CWC in perpetual non-compliance and suffer no meaningful consequences--not good for the CW nonproliferation regime and bad precedent for future non-compliance cases.

However, given likelihood of Russian veto at UNSC, other avenues of accountability need to be explored. This decision opens the door even further to novel applications of international criminal law to nonproliferation.

@sakostas at @OSFJustice has a great thread on this topic

https://twitter.com/sakostas/status/1384884906862563335?s=20

Finally (for now), its time for members of the Partnership Against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons to increase their individual and collective efforts to prevent Syria from rebuilding CW, deter future use, hold regime accountable, and support prosecutions.