Denmark Offers to Withdraw Chemical Weapons From Libya

Denmark could lead the mission aimed at preventing dangerous chemical substances from falling into the hands of extremist groups in Libya, according to the statement of the Danish Foreign Ministry.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Denmark will submit a motion Monday to lead a UN-backed international maritime operation to remove chemical weapons from Libya, the Danish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It will offer to provide the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which coordinates the effort, with a civil transport ship, a Danish Royal Navy support ship, and personnel.

"Denmark will once again demonstrate international responsibility by making a concrete contribution to the international effort to curb the global spread of chemical weapons. We therefore hope for as broad support from the parliament of this important operation as possible," Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen said.

Jensen stressed that the mission aimed at preventing dangerous chemical substances from falling into the hands of extremist groups, including Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) jihadist organization, banned in many countries including Russia.

The motion will go before the Danish parliament this Wednesday and will be put to a final vote on Friday. It is in line with the UN Security Council’s resolution of July 22, 2016 to withdraw Libya’s chemical arms stockpile, which is to be destroyed by Germany.