Syria misses interim chemical weapons deadline

Associated Press

AMSTERDAM — Syria’s government has missed another deadline for destroying its chemical weapons stockpile but still says it will meet a final deadline of June 30.

Under a timetable set up by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Syria was to have given up its entire stockpile of chemical weapons by Wednesday.

Last week, a U.S. diplomat said Syria had only removed 4 percent of its most toxic chemicals so far. All should have been removed by Dec. 31 under the framework.

Russia said Tuesday that Syria is preparing a new schedule and will make further shipments soon. OPCW spokesman Michael Luhan said his organization is awaiting news from Syria.

Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Mikdad said Syria is still cooperating and plans to meet the June 30 deadline.