IRNA - Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will visit Iran on the 30th anniversary of Sardasht tragedy of chemical attack.
OPCW Head to visit Iran on Sardasht chemical attack anniversary

Ahmet Uzumcu in a message on marking the 30th anniversary of Iraq�s former dictator Saddam Hussein against Iranian civilians in Sardasht, West Azarbaijan Province, said: 'Thirty years ago, on June 28, 1987, peaceful citizens of the Iranian township of Sardasht became the victims of an atrocious chemical weapons attack.'

�On behalf of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), I convey our deepest condolences to the people of Sardasht and our continued assurance of support, as we observe this solemn anniversary,� he added in his message which was published on the organization's website on Wednesday.

�Ten years after Sardasht, this dialogue culminated with a global ban on chemical weapons enshrined in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and the founding of the OPCW,� according to the Director-General's message.

He also declared that he is to visit Iran and �to take part in a solemn ceremony dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the CWC and the 30th anniversary of the Sardasht attack�.

Iraq�s former regime in its war against Iran used chemical bombs, including mustard gas, frequently, which left over 100 military men and civilians killed and injured.

�We must and will continue to do everything in our power to prevent anyone from using chemicals as a weapon. We owe this to our children, to the victims of Sardasht, and to all those who have suffered as a result of these heinous weapons,� he concluded his message.