Germany begins destroying Libyan chemical weapons

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN

Germany has begun destroying toxic materials from Libya’s chemical weapons program, the country’s defense ministry revealed on Friday.

Nearly 500 tons of toxic materials dating back to the Gaddafi era were transferred to a special center in northern Germany this week, the ministry said in a statement.

The work of destroying the chemicals will continue for several months.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said his country’s assistance to the Libyan Government of National Accord would contribute to international security.

“We need to prevent toxic chemicals from falling into the wrong hands. In doing so, our aim is to improve security in Germany, Europe and, of course, Libya,” he said in a statement.

On Thursday, 23 containers carrying nearly 500 tons of toxic materials were brought to a special center in the northern city of Munster, which is operated by GEKA, the state-owned company responsible for disposing of chemical warfare agents.

GEKA spokesman Frank Lorkowski said they have 15 months to complete the destruction of the last stockpiles from Libya’s chemical weapons program.

The facility in Munster was previously used to destroy and dispose of 370 tons of Syria’s chemical weapons.