The U.N. Security Council has approved a resolution to destroy Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile. The measure came out of a U.S.-Russian agreement earlier this month after the White House threatened to launch military strikes on Syria, but later opened the door to a diplomatic solution. Bowing to Russian concerns, the measure does not authorize automatic military strikes if Syria fails to comply, saying a follow-up measure would be needed. After the vote, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the resolution’s approval.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: “I am pleased that the Security Council has found the unity to address to most significant use of chemical weapons in decades. I welcome the commitment to safeguard and destroy Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile. The United Nations stands ready to support this plan in every way possible.”

Under the resolution, Syria will be forced to destroy its chemical production sites in November followed by its entire stockpile by the middle of next year. Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States will still seek to hold the Assad regime accountable for last month’s chemical attack in Ghouta.

Secretary of State John Kerry: “On-site inspections of the places that these weapons are stored will begin by November, and under the terms of this agreement those weapons will be removed and destroyed by the middle of next year. Our aim was also to hold the Assad regime publicly accountable for its horrific use of chemical weapons against its own people on August 21st. And this resolution makes clear that those responsible for this heinous act must be held accountable.”