3pm
The Second CWC Review Conference opened in The Hague just after 3pm. The Third Special Session of the Conference of the States Parties successfully adopted a change to the Rules of Procedure which inserted a new paragraph specifically referring to the Chair of the Review Conferences. The new chairman, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia then spoke briefly, before the session was suspended for the General Committee to meet and consider some procedural issues.
I will try and continue to update this page during this afternoon’s session.
3.55pm
The RevCon has reconvened and has adopted its agenda, which is identical to the provisional agenda posted by the OPCW some weeks ago. It has also adopted decisions on attendance by non-signatory states, international organizations and NGOs, allowing all such to attend the RevCon. So, us NGOs are now officially permitted to attend the RevCon.
4:05pm
The Director-General begins his statement to the RevCon. He starts by reviewing the achievements of the past 10 years and placing the CWC in the wider context of international security. He notes that over 38% of Category 1 chemical weapons have been destroyed and all 65 production facilities have all been inactivated. He calls CW destruction the “materially most difficult” challenge since 1997 for the OPCW and states parties. The DG calls progress on industry verification “substantial” and also gives figures on assistance and protection and international cooperation. He next addresses universality and national implementation, noting that the number of states parties with “comprehensive” implementing legislation has reached 81.
The last five years have seen the “further maturing” of the OPCW, notes the DG, and he says that they have improved the international standing of the OPCW. He says that the CWC compares well with other WMDs, where “paralysis” remains.
The DG says however, that we should not become complacent. Two-thirds of Catagory 1 CW still need to be destroyed by 2012. He notes the difficulties that the US and Russia face, but says that both remain committed to the goal. He says it would be premature to jump to one conclusion or another and that monitoring of the US and Russian programmes is ongoing. He also mentions his proposal to convene a special session of the CSP nearer the time, if it appears that either state won’t meet the deadline.
The DG says that it is a fact that CW stocks are dwindling but that non-proliferation will be permanent. Industry verification will need to adjust to advancing science and technology. The RevCon has before it the Technical Secretariat’s report as well as the SAB report. The DG notes the convergence of chemistry and biology. He also says that “in due course” states parties may wish to look into the subject of incapacitating agents. He states that the current level of OCPF inspections is not “adequate” and that the number of inspections should be increased per year.
The DG says that the object and purpose of the CWC can only be met if all countries join the CWC. He says that the situation in Africa and Latin America is promising. He also positively mentions Iraq and Lebanon. He mentions more difficult areas, particularly the Middle East where he expresses disagreement with the linking of CW with other WMDs or with regional security concerns. He also raises concerns about North Korea.
The DG notes the importance of reaching out to “all stakeholders” including the chemical industry and civil society. He mentions “constructive engagement” with a number of NGOs. The DG says that the OPCW needs to maintain its links with the scientific community.
The DG says he hopes that the OPCW will continue its support to countering terrorism, although it is not specifically mentioned in the CWC.
4:40pm
The DG finishes speaking and the Chairman now asks the Chairman of the Executive Council to make his report to the RevCon. The Chairman starts by noting the action by the EC to prepare for the RevCon, including the establishment of the Open-Ended Working Group in 2005.
4:45pm
The Chairman of the Open-Ended Working Group makes a statement on the activities of the OEWG. It first met over a year-and-a-half ago and has held 34 meetings since then, last meeting on 3 April. It worked first on the provisional agenda and then on the draft report of the RevCon, as well as procedural aspects. He mentions “useful and instructive” meetings with the chemical industry and with NGOs.
4:55pm
The RevCon now moves into its General Debate session. The first speaker is Tim Caughley from the UN in Geneva who reads out a message from the UN Secretary-General.
The RevCon now begins to hear national statements:
Slovenia (speaking on behalf of the European Union) – the RevCon should provide “strategic” guidance for the CWC. Statement focuses on: science and technology – convergence of chemistry and biology, importance of SAB and Article II definition of CW, national implementation must take account of “general purpose criterion”, riot-control agents only allowed for permitted uses and banned as a “method of warfare”; CW destruction – EU attaches great importance to destruction by possessor states, urges them to destroy by the agreed deadlines; verification regime should be further enhanced where necessary – new S&T developments need to be taken into account, challenges different from those in 1992 when CWC finalised, need to optimise inspection resources, number of OCPF inspections should be increased and selection criteria made more relevant; universality – EU demarches to non-states parties, support to OPCW Action Plan through EU Joint Actions, need a “tailored approach” in the future for 12 remaining non-states parties, especially in the Middle East; Article VII – should remain a priority for all states parties and the Technical Secretariat, EU demarches to states which haven’t fulfilled Article VII obligations; collaboration with stakeholders – should continue and there should be follow-up to the events organized under the 10th CWC anniversary in 2007.
Netherlands – statement by the Dutch Foreign Minister, Maxime Verhagen, as representative of the Host Country. CWC as the “jewel in the crown” of treaty-based multilateral disarmament. RevCon as a chance to see where OPCW would like to be in 5 or 10 years time. OPCW needs to be “relevant” to today’s challenges but also needs to anticipate future problems – the negative side of globalization; identifying relevant OCPFs; dealing with terrorism. “Continuous challenge” to remain abreast of new scientific, technological and industrial developments. Need “extra effort” on universality, focusing on Middle East countries, through a tailored approach. Universality important but insignificant without national implementation.
If possessor states don’t meet 2012 deadline, Netherlands would support DG’s proposal for a special session of the CSP shortly before the deadline.
Cuba – speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and China. Quotes extensively from NAM declaration from 2006 Havana Summit. Purpose of RevCon is to review operation of CWC, taking into account S&T developments. NAM countries and China firmly believe RevCon should emphasise CWC in its totality and should maintain balance, should not result in change in focus. CW destruction is essential element of CWC and NAM “seriously concerned” about ability to meet final 2012 deadlines. “Primary focus” of RevCon should be CW destruction. International cooperation is “fundamental” to achievement of CWC objectives, emphasises CWC obligation to avoid hampering economic development of states and calls trade restrictions contrary to CWC which put its long-term future at risk. Best way to contribute to anti-terrorism is full implementation of the CWC, especially universality and Article X. Verification regime meets requirements of CWC. RevCon should stress that verification of destruction should remain one of the major tasks. Regarding industry verification, NAM emphasises hierarchy of risks in CWC and says any change in this would signal a departure from fundamental basis of CWC. Challenge inspections should only be used as “last resort” and only under “exceptional circumstances” and should always be preceded by consultation and clarification procedures.
South Africa - on behalf of the African Group. Good accomplishments in first 10 years but much remains to be done. CW destruction remains main priority of CWC but more than 60% of stockpiles still need to be destroyed. African Group looks forward to reaffirmation of destruction commitments in final report of RevCon. African states working on national implementation but also require technical assistance from developed countries. Need for full and equitable implementation of CWC, especially Article XI, RevCon should agree concrete measures for Article XI implementation, primarily though an Action Plan similar to those for universality and Article VII. RevCon should emphasise role of OPCW along with other international organizations in countering terrorism. African states expect RevCon to offer opportunity for critical reflection on the operation of the CWC.
Kyrgyzstan – on behalf of CIS member states presenting short joint CIS statement.
That was the last statement for the day. Back for a full day of the same tomorrow, but now we’re off for a reception at the OPCW.
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