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Preparatory Commission for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons |
PC-VII/8 1 July 1994 Original: ENGLISH |
(27 June - 1 July 1994)
REPORT OF THE COMMISSION
1. Introduction
1.1 In accordance with its decision recorded in the Report of the Sixth Session of the Preparatory Commission (PC-VI/22), the Commission convened its Seventh Session in The Hague, Kingdom of the Netherlands, from 27 to 30 June 1994.
1.2 As of 24 June 1994, no additional States had signed the Convention since the close of the Sixth Session. The number of signatory States accordingly stands at 157.
1.3 Three new instruments of ratification were deposited during the last intersessional period, by Australia (6 May 1994), Albania (11 May 1994), and the Maldives (31 May 1994). The number of ratifications now stands at eight.
1.4 The following 79 Member States participated in the Seventh Session of the Commission:
Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
2. AGENDA ITEM ONE - Opening of the Session
In the absence of the Chairman, Ambassador Grigory Berdennikov of the Russian Federation, during the first two days of the Session, Dr. Radoslav Deyanov of Bulgaria (Vice-Chairman for the Group of Eastern European States) acted as Chairman of the Commission, and opened the Seventh Session on Monday 27 June 1994, at 11:00 a.m.
3. AGENDA ITEM TWO - Adoption of the agenda
On 27 June 1994 the Commission adopted the following agenda for its Seventh Session:
1. Opening of the Session
2. Adoption of the agenda
3. Report of the Executive Secretary
4. Consideration of the Report of Working Group A and appropriate action
5. Consideration of the Report of Working Group B and appropriate action
6. Report of the Credentials Committee
7. Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country
8. Election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairmen of the Commission
9. Any other business
10. Date and agenda of the Eighth Session
11. Adoption of the Report and closure of the Session
4. AGENDA ITEM THREE - Report of the Executive Secretary
4.1 The Commission noted the Report of the Executive Secretary, Mr. Ian R. Kenyon (PC-VII/5 and Corr. 1). The Report covered the period from 18 April to 24 June 1994.
4.2 The Commission took note of the Executive Secretary's assessment, in paragraph 1.3 of his Report, with regard to the planning assumptions for entry into force of the Convention. The Commission recognised the paramount importance of ensuring entry into force at the earliest date, and urged its Member States to continue working towards ratification of the Convention as soon as possible, and to encourage States not yet signatory to sign and ratify it. The Commission requested the Executive Secretary to continue to provide support for these activities.
4.3 The representatives of Cuba, the Republic of Korea, and Pakistan made statements requesting clarification of matters presented by the Executive Secretary.
5. AGENDA ITEM FOUR - Report of Working Group A
5.1 On 30 June 1994 the interim Chairman of Working Group A, Ambassador Jorge Morales Pedraza of Cuba, introduced the Report of Working Group A (PC-VII/A/2). The Commission took the following action in relation to matters arising out of the Report of Working Group A:
Data Systems
5.2 In accordance with paragraph 7 of PC-VII/A/WP.3, the Commission decided to postpone a final decision on the acceptance of national offers, and requested the Secretariat, with the support of the Specialist Task Force on Data Systems, to continue to work towards the development of the OPCW Information Management System (IMS) in conjunction with the providers of national offers for the OPCW IMS, with a view to integrating efforts and solutions developed so far.
Programme of Work and Budget
5.3 In accordance with paragraph 5.1 (a) of PC-VII/A/WP.2, the Commission authorised the Executive Secretary to fill the following three posts, from 1 July 1994: one P-2 Head of Registry and Library, Information Systems Branch; one GS-OL Clerk, Recruitment Section, Personnel Branch; one GS-OL Clerk, Budget and Finance Branch.
5.4 In accordance with paragraph 5.1 (b) of PC-VII/A/WP.2, the Commission requested the Expert Group on Programme of Work and Budget further to consider the question of additional posts not included in paragraph 5.3 above during the next intersessional period, with a view to making recommendations to the Eighth Session of the Commission.
5.5 The Commission noted the guidelines for the preparation of the revised draft of Part I and Part II of the 1995 Budget contained in paragraphs 12 to 34 of PC-VII/A/WP.4, as well as the Model Structure for Budget Presentation and the Identification of a Set of Financial Statements contained in Annexes 1 and 2 respectively of the same Report.
6. AGENDA ITEM FIVE - Report of Working Group B
6.1 On 30 June 1994 the Chairman of Working Group B, Mr. Sylwin Gizowski of Poland, introduced the Report of Working Group B (PC-VII/B/2). The Commission took the following action in relation to matters arising out of the Report of Working Group B:
Inspection Procedures
6.2 The Commission adopted Appendices 1 and 2 to PC-VII/B/WP.5 concerning the general and specific operational requirements for inspection equipment with the amendment in regard to neutron-induced prompt photon spectroscopy equipment, contained in paragraph 3.2 of PC-VII/B/WP.10.
6.3 The Commission adopted the recommendation that, for the OPCW Laboratory, the Secretariat take appropriate action to acquire a small standard laboratory designed for receiving and handling small quantities or diluted solutions of Schedule 1 (toxic) chemicals in compliance with the national standards of the host country. The laboratory should be equipped with the items identified by the Expert Group on Equipment in its Second Interim Report (PC-V/B/WP.7) and adopted by the Commission (PC-V/12, paragraph 6.4 (a)). Such a laboratory, through an adequate combination of in-house and contracted work, will perform in a cost-efficient manner the functions described in the Initial Report of the Expert Group on Equipment (PC-III/B/WP.9) and subsequently endorsed by Working Group B (PC-III/B/2).
Technical Cooperation and Assistance
6.4 The Commission adopted the Draft Model Bilateral Agreement Concerning the Procurement of Assistance contained in Annex A to PC-VII/B/WP.6.
6.5 The Commission adopted the following lists:
(a) the indicative lists of categories of information on assistance that could be made available by States Parties, as contained in Annex B to PC-VII/B/WP.6;
(b) the list of some categories of information for the data bank on protection, as contained in Annex C to PC-VII/B/WP.6; and
(c) the content of the basic course for National Authorities personnel, as contained in Annex D to PC-VII/B/WP.6.
Chemical Industry Issues
6.6 The Commission adopted the understandings contained in paragraph 3 of PC-VII/B/WP.7 concerning the following issues: the scope of the term "alkyl" in the Schedules of chemicals; sub-distribution and packaging; waste disposal; changes to annual declarations; understandings in relation to Part IX of the Verification Annex; mixed plants; and transfers of Schedule 1 chemicals.
Confidentiality
6.7 Pending adoption of the OPCW policy on confidentiality as a whole, the Commission gave provisional approval to Annex I of PC-VII/B/WP.8, entitled Procedures for the Release of Information by the OPCW.
6.8 Pending the adoption of the OPCW policy on confidentiality as a whole, the Commission gave provisional approval to Annex II of PC-VII/B/WP.8, entitled OPCW Procedures for Breaches and Alleged Breaches of Confidentiality.
6.9 The Commission requested Member States to consider, as appropriate, the question concerning jurisdiction applicable to future Technical Secretariat staff whose immunity from jurisdiction has been waived following a serious breach of confidentiality, and the possible forms of legal action that may apply to other natural or legal persons under their jurisdiction who are involved in a breach.
Chemical Weapons and Associated Issues
6.10 Taking into account paragraph 23 of Part V of the Verification Annex of the Convention, which provides that converted chemical weapons production facilities shall be destroyed not later than 10 years after entry into force of this Convention, the Commission adopted the understandings (subparagraphs 3.2 to 3.11 of PC-VII/B/WP.9) in relation to the temporary conversion of CWPFs to CWDFs, and requested the Secretariat to develop these understandings into appropriate draft declaration formats and the relevant parts of the inspection manual.
6.11 The Commission requested the Secretariat to develop the declarations handbook and inspection report formats for review and comment by the appropriate Expert Groups.
6.12 The Commission adopted the criteria for the determination of the frequency of inspections developed by the Expert Group on Chemical Weapons Storage Facilities and outlined in paragraph 9 of the Annex to PC-V/B/WP.13, and in Appendix B to the same Report.
6.13 The Commission noted that the following criteria used to determine the frequency of inspection of a chemical weapons storage facility (CWSF) should also be considered in deciding the duration of each inspection: agent weight, the number of items, the storage configuration, and the specific types and numbers of these specific types of chemical weapons as defined in Article II, paragraph 1 of the Chemical Weapons Convention (this is without prejudice to the elaboration of a clear understanding of what is considered to be a chemical weapon, in particular in relation to Article II, paragraph 1 (b) and (c)). The duration of the inspection will be facility dependant, negotiated, and included in each facility agreement after the initial inspection. As a general rule, the duration should be between 48 and 168 hours.
6.14 The Commission requested the Expert Groups on Chemical Weapons Issues and on Old and Abandoned Chemical Weapons to address the issues not fully resolved at the last meeting of the Expert Group on Chemical Weapons and Associated Issues, as well as other outstanding issues assigned to Working Group B in the Annex to this Report.
7. AGENDA ITEM SIX - Report of the Credentials Committee
7.1 The Commission noted the Report of the Credentials Committee (PC-VII/7), which was presented by Mr. G. Girardo Crocini of Italy on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee.
7.2 At the time of the Seventh Session, the following 105 Member States had Representatives to the Commission, accredited or provisionally accepted:
Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, Western Samoa, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
8. AGENDA ITEM SEVEN - Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country
8.1 On behalf of the Chairman, Mr. S. Kisselev of the Russian Federation presented the Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country (PC-VII/HC/2 and Corr.1). The Commission noted the Report, together with the Summary of Meetings During The Current Intersessional Period (PC-VII/HC/1).
8.2 The Commission decided to plan to take a decision at its Eighth Session on the details of the long term and interim accommodation of the Commission and the OPCW. To this end, the Commission decided to task the Committee to prepare the draft of necessary decisions, together, where appropriate, with a detailed description of the options considered and the reasons for selection of the preferred option, and to distribute the documents containing this material to Member States, in all languages of the Commission, three weeks before the opening of the Eighth Session (the detail of the necessary decisions is in paragraph 2 of PC-VII/HC/WP.3/Rev.1, which also contains the tentative timetable). The Committee should also ensure that the Expert Group on Programme of Work and Budget is provided with appropriate financial information to enable it to take account of the implications for the 1995 Commission Budget of any decision of the Commission on these accommodation questions.
9. AGENDA ITEM EIGHT - Election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairmen of the Commission
9.1 In accordance with Rules 7 and 8 of the Rules of Procedure the Commission elected by acclamation Ambassador Miguel Marin-Bosch of Mexico as Chairman for the period 8 August 1994 to 8 February 1995.
9.2 The Commission also elected the Representatives of Zimbabwe, the Republic of Korea, Colombia, Ukraine, and the United States of America as Vice-Chairmen for the same period.
10. AGENDA ITEM NINE - Any other business
10.1 The Commission appointed Ambassador Jorge Morales Pedraza of Cuba as Chairman of Working Group A.
10.2 The Commission approved the Plan of Activities For Expert Groups Under Working Groups A and B For The Period July - September 1994, as contained in the Annex to this Report.
10.3 The Commission expressed concern that nearly half of its Members have not yet paid their assessments for 1993 and that contributions for 1994 are also lagging. The Commission called upon Member States to pay their assessments as soon as possible.
10.4 The representative of Bulgaria stated that on 29 June 1994 the National Assembly of Bulgaria ratified the Convention and that the necessary arrangements would be made to deposit the respective instruments of ratification with the Depositary to the Convention as soon as possible.
10.5 The representative of South Africa made a statement related to the Government of South Africa's offer to host a regional seminar, to be held from 12 to 14 September 1994.
10.6 Representatives of Australia, Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Romania, Saudi Arabia and Switzerland also made statements related to the progress of work of the Commission, the status of ratification of the Convention, and national implementation measures. In his statement, the representative of Switzerland also commented on the Swiss Programme for OPCW Inspectors (SWISSPRO).
10.7 The representatives of the Czech Republic and Thailand elaborated on the positive outcome of the regional seminars held in their respective countries.
10.8 The representative of France, on behalf of the Group of Western European and Other States, made a statement on matters related to economic development and trade, and also to the way in which the Convention refers to staffing matters.
10.9 A representative of Indonesia made the following statement on behalf of the Asian Group, except Japan, in the English language:
"The Asian Group expresses its satisfaction with the substantial progress achieved in the work of the Preparatory Commission during the last intersessional period. It hopes that this pace will be maintained in future so that the tasks of the Commission are completed at the earliest possible time. The Group avails itself of this opportunity to reiterate to the Member States its deep and abiding commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention as an important step towards the global elimination of weapons of mass destruction while promoting the achievement of the legitimate developmental aspirations of States Parties through increased international cooperation and transparency.
Members of the Asian Group have made progress towards completion of the processes of ratification. The Group urges all Member States to complete all national measures necessary for full implementation in time for such measures to be fully effective from the date that the CWC enters into force so that uniformity exists between States Parties in the context of the CWC from that date. The Group welcomes the Executive Secretary's determination for speedy implementation of the mandate of the Preparatory Commission. The Group believes that early determination of requirements and objective evaluation of national offers, such as those for the IMS of the OPCW, will contribute to the speedy conclusion of this process.
The Asian Group notes with satisfaction the increasing participation of Member States in the functioning of the Commission. The Group is of the opinion that since greater participation of Member States in the subsidiary organs of the Commission will produce concrete results more quickly, the Commission could appropriately consider measures to encourage this process in practical ways. Universality of participation can only enhance the value of the achievements of the Commission.
The Asian Group is happy to find that interest in participation in the process of recruitment to the Secretariat, especially to the future inspectorate, has grown considerably since the last Plenary Session of the Commission. The Group attaches great importance to this development in the belief that this can help to achieve the widest possible geographical distribution of representation in the OPCW, an important aspect which will strengthen the credibility of the organisation. Therefore, the Group, on the one hand, urges Member States to increase their participation at every level of the process and, on the other hand, continues to exhort the PTS to maintain and enhance the level of transparency in the recruitment by proper circulation of vacancies and particulars of successful candidates.
The Asian Group generally believes that the CWC is the only multilaterally negotiated and universally acceptable disarmament treaty which provides for the regulation of international trade and cooperation in the chemical field. Therefore, it must be implemented in its entirety from the moment of its entry into force. Since the sole objective of verification is to ensure compliance by the States Parties, care should be taken to ensure that the legitimate aspirations of economic development of a State Party is not hampered, even inadvertently, by another State Party. The Asian Group generally believes that the mechanism of challenge inspection must be used cautiously. Only by exercising complete objectivity and prudence can the CWC be implemented without placing an unbearable financial burden upon States Parties that could jeopardise its universality. States Parties must fully bear the obligations specified by the CWC and should not seek to reduce their liability by altering their extent or transferring to the Organisation any financial obligations that should be borne by them as provided in relevant articles on the CWC."
10.10 A representative of Japan made the following statement, in the English language:
"Japan is of the view that the statement of the Asian Group itself is not desirable because each delegation is free to express its views and at the same time the statement usually contains some controversial issues on which a unified position is rather difficult to be achieved at this stage.
Effort was actually made to accommodate various views among members of the Group and to reach consensus. The statement was indeed improved compared to the first draft. In this context, this delegation would like to thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia for his coordination effort in the Group. However, this statement was drafted in a rather hasty manner. And at least for this delegation, enough time for thorough consideration and agreement was not given. It is regrettable to state that Japan is not in the position to fully associate itself with this statement of the Asian Group.
My delegation hopes that this kind of exercise should not be repeated in the future. My Government will try in a sincere manner to avoid its repetition and to this end, my delegation trusts in cooperation and understanding of all members of the Asian Group."
10.11 A representative of Poland made the following statement on behalf of the Eastern European Group, in the English language:
"The East European Group, committed to an early entry into force and to the effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, remains determined to contribute to a spirit of constructive cooperation among signatory States, thus creating favourable political conditions for a universal and effective achievement of the objectives of the Convention.
The Group reaffirms the importance of the role of the Preparatory Commission in elaborating all necessary procedures and mechanisms for successful implementation of the Convention and reiterates its support for a timely accomplishment of the tasks of the Commission as envisaged in the Convention and the Paris Resolution. Recognising the utmost importance of the commitment of the Member States to support the work of the Commission and its subsidiary bodies, the Group believes that concentration of the work of the Commission on priority issues would facilitate preparations for national implementation and strengthen the determination of all Member States to accomplish their ratification processes. It is willing to contribute further to the efforts to ensure well balanced and stable results of the work of the subsidiary bodies, including through accepting a greater share of the responsibilities of Chairs of such bodies.
The Group attaches great importance to the transparency of the process of recruitment of candidates from Member States for vacant positions in the Secretariat and to overcome the present situation of serious underrepresentation of the countries of the Eastern European Group. The Group believes that implementation of the principle of the widest possible geographical distribution of posts at all grades would strengthen the universal character of the Commission and help ensure a smooth commencement of the work of the OPCW."
11. AGENDA ITEM TEN - Date and agenda of Eighth Session
The Commission decided to hold its Eighth Session from 26 to 30 September 1994 in The Hague, Kingdom of the Netherlands, and also decided to consider the following provisional agenda for adoption at the opening of its Eighth Session:
1. Opening of the Session
2. Adoption of the agenda
3. Report of the Executive Secretary
4. Consideration of the Report of Working Group A and appropriate action
5. Consideration of the Report of Working Group B and appropriate action
6. Report of the Credentials Committee
7. Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country
8. Any other business
9. Date and agenda of the Ninth Session
10. Adoption of the Report and closure of the Session
12. AGENDA ITEM ELEVEN - Adoption of the Report and closure of the Seventh Session
The Commission adopted its Report, and the Chairman, Ambassador Grigory Berdennikov of the Russian Federation, closed the Seventh Session at 17:00 hours on 30 June 1994.
ANNEX
PLAN OF ACTIVITIES FOR EXPERT GROUPS
UNDER WORKING GROUPS A AND B FOR THE PERIOD
JULY - SEPTEMBER 1994
I. TASKS, OBJECTIVES, PRIORITY OF ISSUES AND DOCUMENTS
WORKING GROUP A
I. EXPERT GROUP ON DATA SYSTEMS
(CHAIRMAN: MR O. CARON - FRANCE)
20 JULY, 24 AUGUST 1994
Tasks (in order of priority):
1. Review the recommendations of the Specialist Task Force on IMS.
2. Consider the proposals concerning the Information Systems Branch in the draft 1995 Budget, in particular with regard to any proposed quantities of items to be procured, the proposed new types of equipment, and the proposed timing of the procurement.
Documents:
1. Documents elaborated by the Specialist Task Force on IMS.
2. Note by the Executive Secretary forwarding the revised proposals concerning the Information Systems Branch in the draft 1995 Budget.
II. EXPERT GROUP ON
PROGRAMME OF WORK AND BUDGET
(CHAIRMAN: AMB. J. MORALES PEDRAZA - CUBA)
A. FINANCE GROUP
(CHAIRMAN: MR. K. LAL - INDIA)
1 - 5 AUGUST 1994
Tasks (in order of priority):
1. Consider draft Programme of Work and Budget for Part I (1995).
2. Consider draft Programme of Work and Budget for Part II.
3. Consider salary scales of staff members in the GS category.
4. Take note of the financial statements of the Provident Fund.
5. Consider the Report of the External Auditors on the 1993 Budget.
6. Consider the Commission's investment policies and procedures.
7. Consider the applicability to the Commission of the best practices applied in the UN system in areas of financial management as recommended by bodies such as the Joint Inspection Unit.
Documents:
1. Draft Programme of Work and Budget for Part I (1995) prepared by the Executive Secretary.
2. Draft Programme of Work and Budget for Part II prepared by the Executive Secretary.
3. Note by the Executive Secretary communicating the results of the survey conducted by the United Nations on salary scales of staff members in the GS category.
4. Note by the Executive Secretary forwarding the Financial Statements of the Provident Fund.
5. Note by the Executive Secretary communicating the Report of the external auditor on the 1993 Budget.
6. Note by the Executive Secretary on the applicability to the Commission of the best practices applied in the UN system in areas of financial management as recommended by bodies such as the Joint Inspection Unit.
B. EXPERT GROUP ON PROGRAMME OF WORK AND BUDGET
21, 22 JULY, 15 - 19, 22 - 25 AUGUST, 2 SEPTEMBER 1994
Tasks (in order of priority):
1. Consider the Report of the Finance Group.
2. Consider the draft Programme of Work and Budget for Part I (1995).
3. Consider draft Programme of Work and Budget for Part II.
4. Consider the Executive Secretary's assessment of the needs of the Conference Services Branch for the First Session of the Conference of the States Parties and any associated meetings of the Executive Council.
5. Consider the remaining proposals for post adjustments presented by the Executive Secretary in documents (h) and (m) of paragraph 3 of PC-VII/A/WP.4.
6. Consider the preliminary estimates of the first OPCW Budget.
7. Consider different alternatives for financing the post of the P-3 Building Officer recommended by the Committee on Relations with the Host Country.
Documents:
1. Draft Programme of Work and Budget for Part I (1995) prepared by the Executive Secretary.
2. Draft Programme of Work and Budget for Part II prepared by the Executive Secretary.
3. Report of the Finance Group.
4. Note by the Executive Secretary containing his assessment of the needs of the Conference Services Branch for the First Session of the Conference of the States Parties and any associated meetings of the Executive Council.
5. Note by the ES communicating the preliminary estimates of the OPCW Budget.
6. Note by the Executive Secretary on different alternatives for financing the post of the P-3 Building Officer recommended by the Committee on Relations with the Host Country.
III. EXPERT GROUP ON
ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE AND PERSONNEL
(CHAIRMAN: MR. S. CHAKRAVARTI - INDIA)
15, 16 SEPTEMBER 1994
Tasks (in order of priority):
1. Consider and provide guidance on the general personnel policy for the OPCW and in particular on:
(a) whether the OPCW should follow the UN common system, any other system or a sui generis system;
(b) categories of post levels, staffing basis and length of salary scales of the OPCW;
(c) tenure of employment contracts of the OPCW;
(d) entitlements and accrued benefits of PTS staff recruited by OPCW.
2. Consider the first draft of the Financial Regulations of the OPCW.
3. Consider matters pertaining to the Voluntary Fund for Assistance referred to this Expert Group by the Expert Group on Technical Cooperation and Assistance.
Documents:
1. Note by the Executive Secretary forwarding the background document on general personnel policy prepared by the Secretariat.
2. Note by the Executive Secretary forwarding the first draft of the Financial Regulations of the OPCW prepared by the Secretariat.
IV. EXPERT GROUP ON
OPCW HEADQUARTERS AGREEMENT
(CHAIRMAN: PROF. N. RONZITTI - ITALY)
25, 26 JULY 1994
Tasks (in order of priority):
1. Consider the preliminary draft of the OPCW Headquarters Agreement.
Documents:
1. Preliminary draft of the OPCW Headquarters Agreement, prepared by the Secretariat as specified in paragraph 6.2 of the Report of Working Group A (PC-VI/A/5, dated 15 April 1994).
WORKING GROUP B
I. EXPERT GROUP ON INSPECTION PROCEDURES
(CHAIRMAN: MR S. KISSELEV - RUSSIAN FEDERATION)
11, 12 AND 14, 15 JULY, 20 SEPTEMBER 1994
Tasks:
1. Further elaborate administrative procedures for the conduct of inspections, including the issue of non-scheduled aircraft and of communication procedures.
2. Finalise work on the procedures for the inspection of equipment at the point of entry.
3. Develop all other necessary procedures related to the use of equipment in the course of an inspection, including the possible retention of equipment in the inspected State Party.
4. Develop a common understanding on the term "particular type of inspection" and the possible equipment-related consequences of the application of this term.
5. Develop special provisions for the designation of specific types of equipment for specific types of inspections.
6. Review the opinion of the Legal Adviser on the relationship between paragraph 11 of Part II of the Verification Annex and Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations in regard to approved equipment carried by the inspection team.
7. Review the compilation of recommended procedures for acquiring and preparing samples along with the details on equipment items needed to implement those procedures.
8. Address the number, level of training and any pre-qualification of inspector-analysts who would be required to implement the procedures referred to in paragraph 7 above.
9. Consider inspection-related aspects of the draft OPCW media policy and make recommendations for its improvement, if necessary.
10. Consider sampling and analytical aspects of the conduct of investigations of alleged use.
11. Address the status of "experts" in the context of investigations of alleged use in regard to privileges and immunities.
12. Consider the Secretariat's recommendations defining further the global requirements and full scope of activities to be encompassed by the Quality Assurance (QA) Programme and Quality Control (QC) System that will be implemented by the Organisation and an estimate of the financial implications for the Organisation of implementing a QA Programme that includes QA as well as QC objectives.
13. Consider proposals concerning verification-related equipment contained in the draft 1995 Budget reviewed by the Secretariat in particular with regard to the proposed quantities of items to be purchased, any proposed new types of equipment and the proposed timing of procurement.
14. Review technical specifications for all items of inspection equipment.
15. Develop sampling procedures and procedures for on-site and off-site analysis, including sampling and analysis for Schedule 1 chemicals.
Priority tasks for the meeting:
1. Review technical specifications for all items of inspection equipment.
2. Develop special provisions for the designation of specific types of equipment for specific types of inspections.
3. Consider proposals concerning verification-related equipment contained in the draft 1995 Budget reviewed by the Secretariat in particular with regard to the proposed quantities of items to be purchased, any proposed new types of equipment and the proposed timing of procurement.
4. Finalise work on the procedures for the inspection of equipment at the point of entry.
5. Develop all other necessary procedures related to the use of equipment in the course of an inspection, including the possible retention of equipment in the inspected State Party.
6. Develop a common understanding on the term "particular type of inspection" and the possible equipment-related consequences of the application of this term.
7. Review the opinion of the Legal Adviser on the relationship between paragraph 11 of Part II of the Verification Annex and Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations in regard to approved equipment carried by the inspection team.
Documents:
1. Note from the Executive Secretary forwarding the revised proposals concerning verification-related equipment contained in the draft 1995 Budget.
II. EXPERT GROUP ON CONFIDENTIALITY
(CHAIRMAN: MR. A. TAUBMAN - AUSTRALIA)
18, 19 JULY 1994
Tasks:
1. Complete the OPCW Policy on Confidentiality.
2. Discuss the issue of the responsibility of States Parties in case of breaches of confidentiality with a view to identifying possible avenues for its resolution.
3. Develop recommendations for the composition and operating procedures of the Confidentiality Commission.
Priority tasks for the meeting:
1. Complete the OPCW Policy on Confidentiality.
2. Discuss the issue of the responsibility of States Parties in case of breaches of confidentiality with a view to identifying possible avenues for its resolution.
3. Develop recommendations for the composition and operating procedures of the Confidentiality Commission.
Documents:
The following Chairman's non-papers are available at the Provisional Technical Secretariat as background information in relation to these issues and will form the basis for the completion of the work on the OPCW Policy on Confidentiality:
Chair non-paper 7: Basic responsibilities
Chair non-paper 8: General Principles for Handling and Protection of Confidential Information
Chair non-paper 9: Administration
Chair non-paper 10: Annual report on confidentiality
Chair non-paper 12: Confidentiality Commission
Chair non-paper 13: Role of States Parties in relation to breaches
Chair non-paper 14: Amendment procedures
III. EXPERT GROUP ON TECHNICAL COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE
(CHAIRMAN: MR. S. CHAKRAVARTI - INDIA)
27 - 29 JULY 1994
Tasks:
1. Resolve outstanding issues relating to the implementation of Article X.
2. Address and resolve matters pertaining to the implementation of Article XI.
3. Finalise matters pertaining to the Voluntary Fund for Assistance.
Priority tasks for the meeting:
1. Resolve outstanding issues relating to the implementation of Article X.
2. Address and resolve matters pertaining to the implementation of Article XI.
Documents:
1. Chairman's papers on matters pertaining to Articles X and XI.
IV. EXPERT GROUP ON CHEMICAL INDUSTRY ISSUES
(CHAIRMAN: MR. A. NOBLE - UNITED KINGDOM)
1, 2 AUGUST, 14 SEPTEMBER 1994
Tasks:
1. Develop solutions to the issue of past production of Schedule 1 chemicals at facilities having a capacity above 1 tonne per year, for purposes not prohibited under the Convention.
2. Develop clarifications in regard to "discrete organic chemicals including PSF chemicals".
3. Resolve the issue of low concentration of Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 chemicals, including products containing scheduled chemicals and the further processing and use of formulations containing Schedule 2 chemicals.
4. Define the application of the definition of "production" in the context of Schedule 1 production facilities that acquire Schedule 1 chemicals by extraction or isolation of such chemicals, for example, from natural materials or from old chemical weapons.
5. Agree on the method of reporting aggregate national data for Schedule 3 chemicals.
6. Develop solutions for the issue of castor bean processing plants.
7. Finalise model facility agreements for Schedule 1 facilities, Schedule 2 facilities and Schedule 3 facilities covered under Article VI of the Convention;
8. Agree on the Declaration forms and handbook drafted by the Secretariat.
9. Resolve the following additional items issues left over from informal consultations:
(a) biochemical and biological mediated processes for scheduled chemicals;
(b) recycled Schedule 2 chemicals;
(c) issues in relation to BZ and the meaning of the term "a State Party" in paragraph 8(a)(i)(2) of Article II.
Priority tasks for the meeting:
1. Continue further work on:
(a) "discrete organic chemicals including PSF chemicals", and on "complex mixtures";
(b) recycled Schedule 2 chemicals;
(c) issues in relation to BZ and the meaning of the term "a State Party" in paragraph 8(a)(i)(2) of Article II;
(d) past production of Schedule 1 chemicals at facilities having a capacity above 1 tonne per year, for purposes not prohibited under the Convention;
(e) definition of production in the context of Schedule 1 production facilities that acquire Schedule 1 chemicals by extraction or isolation.
2. Set up specialist task force on recording export and import of scheduled chemicals.
V. EXPERT GROUP ON TRAINING
(CHAIRMAN: MR. B. BEHROOZ - ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN)
31 AUGUST 1994
Tasks:
1. Consider shortfalls in M2 and M3 training.
2. Consider costs and savings which could be associated with the choice of training courses offered to the Commission.
3. Consider inspection equipment shortfalls in relation to M1, M2 and M3 training.
4. Develop agreed student performance evaluation and contractual arrangements with training centres.
5. Consider progress in certification of offered M1 and M2 courses.
Priority tasks for the meeting:
1. Consider shortfalls in M2 and M3 training.
2. Consider costs and savings which could be associated with the choice of training courses offered to the Commission.
3. Consider inspection equipment shortfalls in relation to M1, M2 and M3 training.
VI. EXPERT GROUP ON CHEMICAL WEAPONS ISSUES
(CHAIRMAN: MR. S. GIZOWSKI - POLAND )
5, 6 AND 8, 9 SEPTEMBER 1994
Tasks:
A. Chemical Weapons Production Facilities
1. Finalise inspection activities at CWPFs.
2. Resolve the issue of conversion for non-prohibited purposes.
3. Resolve the issues of standard buildings, specialised buildings and special features of buildings.
4. Resolve the issues of standard equipment and specialised equipment.
5. Resolve the issue of production capacity.
6. Resolve the issue of levelling out.
7. Finalise declaration requirements with regard to CWPFs.
8. Develop guidelines for determining the frequency of systematic on-site inspections of chemical weapons production facilities.
9. Review draft model facility agreement, prepared by the Secretariat.
B. Chemical Weapons Storage Facilities
1. Define a chemical weapon in relation to chemicals specifically designed for use directly in connection with the employment of chemical weapons.
2. Review inspection report formats developed by the Secretariat.
3. Determine how States Parties report chemical weapons on their own territory that are owned by another State.
4. Review draft model facility agreement, prepared by the Secretariat.
C. Chemical Weapons Destruction Facilities
1. Resolve the issue of a numerical value for the quantitative assessment of the completeness of destruction.
2. Develop methods to verify the quantity of agent being destroyed and complete the list of activities for verifying the completeness of destruction and for quantifying destroyed chemical weapons.
3. Elaborate a clear understanding of what is considered a chemical weapon in particular in relation to Article II, paragraph 1 (b) and (c).
4. Develop guidance on the issue of the destruction of chemical weapons resulting in the formation of Schedule 2 chemicals.
5. Review formats for declarations and for initial, routine and final inspection reports, prepared by the Secretariat.
6. Review draft model facility agreement for CWDFs to include transitional arrangements, prepared by the Secretariat.
7. Develop procedures to cover the installation, use, inspection and maintenance of equipment installed by the inspected State Party and/or the inspection team.
8. Discuss the need to develop inspection procedures for facilities at which chemical weapons destruction operations are not continuous, including procedures for a pilot plant to test chemical weapons destruction technologies.
9. Develop provisions regarding "simulation equipment".
D. Common Issues
1. Address the issue of costs of verification in relation to Articles IV and V of the Convention with a view to its resolution.
Priority Tasks for the meeting
1. Address the issue of costs of verification in relation to Articles IV and V of the Convention with a view to its resolution.
2. Consider and finalise the following issues:
(a) resolve the issue of conversion for non-prohibited purposes;
(b) status of chemicals identified under Verification Annex Part IVA, para 1(c)(iv);
(c) development of the CW-related Declaration Handbook, on the basis of the draft prepared by the Secretariat;
(d) development of all outstanding CW-related Inspection Formats, on the basis of the drafts prepared by the Secretariat; and
(e) development of all CW-related Model Facility Agreements on the basis of the drafts, prepared by the Secretariat.
VII. EXPERT GROUP ON OLD AND ABANDONED CHEMICAL WEAPONS
(CHAIRMAN: MR P. KREJSA - AUSTRIA )
12, 13 SEPTEMBER 1994
Tasks:
1. Develop criteria for determining "usability" with respect to chemical weapons produced between 1925 and 1946, and resolve the issue of verification and destruction requirements for old chemical weapons produced between 1925 and 1946.
2. Develop recommendations on all aspects of the verification regime for abandoned chemical weapons.
3. Resolve the issue of the cost of the verification of old chemical weapons and their destruction as referred to in paragraph 8 of the Annex to the Report of the Expert Group (PC-VI/B/WP.5).
Priority tasks for the meeting:
1. Develop criteria for determining "usability" with respect to chemical weapons produced between 1925 and 1946, and resolve the issue of verification and destruction requirements for old chemical weapons produced between 1925 and 1946.
2. Develop destruction and verification requirements for abandoned chemical weapons.
II. ISSUES TO BE PURSUED ON AN INFORMAL BASIS
DURING THE INTERSESSIONAL PERIOD
WORKING GROUP A
July - August Informal consultations conducted by the Chairman of the Expert Group on the Programme of Work and Budget of the Commission and the OPCW.
3 August (a.m.) Consultations on OPCW media policy.
3 August (p.m.) Consultations on visa matters.
WORKING GROUP B
Task Force on Equipment Specifications
7, 8 July Consider the technical specifications for minor items of equipment, finalise technical specifications for major items.
25, 26 July Consider the technical specifications for medical and protective equipment.
15, 16 September Consider the technical specifications for sampling and sample preparation equipment.
Task Force for the Development of the OPCW Analytical Database
12, 13, 14 September Next meeting.
Task Force on Declaration Requirements for Exports and Imports of Scheduled Chemicals
September Meetings of Task Force (following contacts between the Secretariat and the Customs Cooperation Council)
Interlaboratory Comparison Test
September Discuss the results of the first interlaboratory comparison test conducted in 1994.
III. SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
JULY 1994
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
SEVENTH SEVENTH SEVENTH SEVENTH SEVENTH 1 SEVENTH 2
PLENARY PLENARY PLENARY PLENARY PLENARY PLENARY
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Committee
on
Relations
with the
Host
Country
10 11 EG on 12 EG on 13 Informal 14 EG on 15 EG on 16
Inspection Inspection consultations Inspection Inspection
Procedures Procedures EG on Procedures Procedures
Inspection
Procedures
17 18 EG on 19 EG on 20 EG on 21 EG on 22 EG on 23
Confiden-tia Confiden-tia Data Systems Programme Programme
lity lity (review of of Work and of Work and
budget Budget Budget
proposals) (informal (informal
meeting) meeting)
24 25 EG on 26 EG on 27 EG on 28 EG on 29 EG on 30
OPCW HQ OPCW HQ TC&A TC&A TC&A
Agreement Agreement
31
AUGUST 1994
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 EG on 2 EG on 3 a.m. - 4 5 6
Chemical Chemical Con-sultation Finance Finance
Industry Industry s on Media Group Group
Issues Issues Policy
Finance Finance p.m. -
Group Group Con-sultation
s on Visa
Matters
Finance Group
7 8 NO 9 NO 10 NO 11 NO 12 NO 13
EXPERT EXPERT EXPERT GROUP EXPERT EXPERT
GROUP GROUP MEETINGS GROUP GROUP
MEETINGS MEETINGS MEETINGS MEETINGS
14 15 EG on 16 EG on 17 EG on 18 EG on 19 EG on 20
Programme Programme Programme of Programme Programme
of Work and of Work and Work and of Work and of Work and
Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget
21 22 EG on 23 EG on 24 a.m. - 25 a.m. - 26 OPCW 27
Programme Programme EG on Data EG on Building -
of Work and of Work and Systems Programme models
Budget Budget (nat. of Work and presentation
offers) p.m. Budget p.m.
- EG on - OPCW
Programme of Building -
Work and models
Budget presentation
28 29 30 31 EG on
Committee Committee Training
on on
Relations Relations
with the with the
Host Host
Country Country
SEPTEMBER 1994
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 EG on 3
Committee Programme
on of Work and
Relations Budget
with the
Host Country
4 5 EG on 6 EG on 7 8 EG on 9 EG on 10
Chemical Chemical Chemical Chemical
Weapons Weapons Weapons Weapons
Issues Issues Issues Issues
11 12 EG on 13 EG on 14 EG on 15 EG on 16 EG on 17
Old and Old and Chemical Admini-strat Admini-strat
Abandoned Abandoned Industry ion, ion,
Chemical Chemical Issues Finance and Finance and
Weapons Weapons Personnel Personnel
18 19 20 EG on 21 Friends 22 23 24
Inspection of the
Procedures Chairmen of
(approve WGA and WGB
technical (to adopt
specs) schedule for
the next
inter-session
al)
25 26 EIGHTH 27 EIGHTH 28 EIGHTH 29 EIGHTH 30 EIGHTH
PLENARY PLENARY PLENARY PLENARY PLENARY
- - - o - - -