Regarding the destruction of Syria’s inventory of other chemicals, including common industrial ones – which constitute a significant part of Syria’s declaration – the Director-General said the OPCW has to date received 35 expressions of interest (EOI) from commercial companies, which will now undergo evaluation. This number may change during the tender process, he noted, stressing that the OPCW “is at the preliminary stage of ascertaining the availability of suitable candidate companies.”

The companies bidding for participation in the disposal process will be required to comply with all applicable international and national regulations pertaining to safety and the environment.