Security Council votes to rid Syria of chemical weapons

The resolution determines the use of chemical weapons anywhere constitutes a threat to international peace and security. It endorses the decision of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which contains special procedures for the swift destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons.

It says Syria shall not use, develop, produce, otherwise acquire, stockpile or retain chemical weapons, or transfer, directly or indirectly, chemical weapons to other States or non-State partners.

And for the first time, the council has endorsed a plan for a political transition in Syria, and called for an international conference to be convened "as soon as possible" for its implementation.

The resolution does not impose automatic punitive actions against the Syrian government, if it does not comply. But it has decided to impose measures under Chapter Seven of the United Nations Charter, allowing the Council to take military and non-military action to restore international peace and security.