The Hague, 11 October 2000
Number 28
 
Press Release

Another Step in the Right Direction: Yemen Ratifies the Chemical Weapons Convention

Yemen ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention on 2 October 2000. This important step by Yemen, in the strategically important region of the Middle East, brings the OPCW closer to achieving the universality of the Convention. It is hoped that Yemen's initiative will encourage the dwindling number of nations, both in this region and outside it, which have yet to ratify or to accede to the Convention, to follow suit.

Yemen will become the 140th State Party to the Convention on 1 November 2000, thirty days after the deposit of its instrument of ratification with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

The number of signatory States, i.e. those which have signed the Convention, but which have yet to ratify it, currently stands at 34.


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

***FOR USE OF INFORMATION MEDIA – NOT AN OFFICIAL RECORD***

Media and Public Affairs, External Relations Division
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