The Hague, 12 April 2001

On 11 April, 2001, H.E. Mr Igor Ivanov, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, paid an official visit to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague. During the meeting with the OPCW Director-General, Mr José M. Bustani, the two sides reviewed a broad range of issues relating to the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the work of the OPCW. In the discussion, emphasis was placed on the new Russian approach, which is now being finalised by the Russian Federation, to the destruction of its chemical weapons stockpile.

In his statement to the press following the meeting, Mr Ivanov drew attention to the fact that chemical disarmament is an issue that is global in character. Therefore, Russia calls upon all states which remain outside of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) to join this treaty.

He indicated that Russia attaches fundamental importance to fulfilling its obligations under the CWC, and that, accordingly, the federally budgeted programme for Russian chemical disarmament has been increased six-fold in 2001, but, at the same time, Russia expects additional assistance in chemical disarmament. Mr Ivanov indicated that proposals are being developed in Moscow to reduce the costs of the destruction of the Russian stockpile and to facilitate compliance with the deadlines established in the CWC for the destruction of the Russian CW stockpile. Mr Ivanov also urged Member States to support Russia’s plans to convert its former chemical production facilities to serve peaceful purposes.

Mr Ivanov expressed his appreciation for the practical work which the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is doing. He stated, "This Organisation is making huge efforts in the fields of the destruction of chemical weapons, and in the prevention of their proliferation. We can see an important and tangible contribution to greater international security in the activities of this Organisation. And on our part, we seek to participate in every possible way in the fulfilment of the statutory objectives of this Organisation. We believe that the high political status and the standing of the Organisation serve the interests of international stability and international security." In reference to the current financial situation in the OPCW, Mr Ivanov stated, ". . . if we have a weak organisation and it is not able to act efficiently, then our efforts aimed at the elimination of chemical weapons would be less efficient and it doesn’t meet the interests of Russia or any other countries . . .."