The Hague, 11 September 2000
Number 23
 
Press Release

Kiribati Accedes to the Chemical Weapons Convention

Kiribati acceded to the Chemical Weapons Convention on 7 September 2000. Kiribati will become the 137th State Party to the Convention on 7 October 2000, thirty days after depositing its instrument of accession with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

The number of Signatory States, i.e., those that have signed the Convention, but which have yet to ratify it, currently stands at 37.


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

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