CRI听力:Syria's Chemical Arms to be Destroyed as Scheduled

The international mission to eliminate Syria's chemical weapons remains hopeful that stockpile will finally be removed, despite a recent delay.

Sigrid Kaag is Special Coordinator of the joint mission between the UN and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons on removing Syria's chemical arms.

She has made the comment in Cypress during an interview with CRI.

"We are hopeful that very soon we will see continued steady movements to ensure that complete removal of priority one and priority two chemicals can take place. The ultimate target is of course the end of June 2014. A lot of work lies ahead."

Kaag's mission began its work last October.

The mission failed to meet a deadline on December 31st to remove the first shipment of chemical agents from Syria.

The delay has been blamed on technical difficulties, logistical challenges, and bad weather.

Meanwhile, Kaag has praised China's effort in helping destroy Syria's chemical arms.

"It's extremely important and it's a demonstrable sign of China's continued commitment to peace and security, both Syria and the region as well as globally. And I think that's much (a) reflection of its role in the (UN) Security Council."

China, Russia, the United States and Denmark also are participating in the effort to destroy Syria's chemical weapons.