PR07: OPCW and Slovak Government Host Chemical Weapons Defence Course

The Hague, 29 March 2000			Number 07

Press Release

OPCW and Slovak Government Host Chemical Weapons Defence Course

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in conjunction with the Government of the Slovak Republic, is hosting a Chemical Weapons (CW) Civil Defence Course in Slovenska Lupca, Slovak Republic from 27 to 31 March 2000.

The course is being held as a result of an offer by the Slovak Republic under Article X of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to provide assistance and protection against chemical weapons.

The focus of the course is to help train experts from other member states in the establishment of basic CW protection capability in order that their civilian populations will be protected.

The course will rely on the experience of the Slovak Republic in the area of CW Civil protection. The OPCW will provide assistance in some areas of instruction and in the course organisation.

More information on the OPCW can be obtained from our website at www.opcw.org or from our Media and Public Affairs Branch at the OPCW Tel: 00-31-70-416-3244.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) came into existence on 29 April 1997. Its deed of foundation—the Chemical Weapons Convention—aims to achieve four principal objectives: the elimination of chemical weapons and of the capacity to develop them, the verification of non-proliferation, international assistance and protection in the event of the use or threat of use of chemical weapons, and international cooperation and assistance in the peaceful use of chemistry.

For further information, please contact the Media and Public Affairs Branch at: +31 70 416-3710