The Hague, 01 August 2001

On 27 July 2001, a team of ten OPCW inspectors completed a trial challenge inspection in the United States of America. This type of exercise is periodically conducted so that the OPCW’s inspectors can maintain readiness in the event that a real request for a challenge inspection arises. To clarify and resolve a non-compliance concern, the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) gives each State Party the right to request an on-site challenge inspection of any facility or location on the territory of a State Party, or of any other location under the jurisdiction or control of another State Party. Once requested, and unless the OPCW Executive Council decides within 12 hours to block the request, the challenge inspection will be carried out by the OPCW without delay. The inspected State Party cannot refuse the inspection.

Challenge inspections are unprecedented, as they can be launched against any site, whether declared or not, military or civilian, open or sensitive. This powerful verification tool can only be utilised by well-prepared and highly-qualified inspectors. Rigorous training and coordination are crucial, and several Member States have been assisting the Organisation, to ensure that it has the requisite skills to carry out this kind of inspection. This time – the fourth such exercise since 1997 – the United States of America hosted the inspection exercise at Indian Head (US Naval facility), Maryland, from 23 to 27 July 2001.

Six international observers from other States Parties, as well as US personnel, took part in this simulation, which was conducted as though it were a real case scenario, with real inspection equipment and full procedures. All actions and negotiations undertaken by the inspection team were monitored by OPCW Director-General, José M. Bustani, from the headquarters in The Hague. Director-General Bustani expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the assistance of the United States in organising this trial challenge inspection. Other Member States, such as Brazil and the United Kingdom, have hosted similar exercises in the past.

"By joining the CWC, and thus forgoing the option of chemical warfare, our Member States have given us the responsibility to detect any illegal chemical weapons programmes. Challenge inspections are needed to deter any treaty violation," Bustani said. "This exercise further enhances this excellent instrument by demonstrating how effectively the OPCW can investigate an allegation of non-compliance with the treaty."