PR33: The First Special Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention Convenes in The Hague

The Hague, 22 April 2002			Number 33

Press Release

The First Special Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention Convenes in The Hague

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Yesterday, the first special session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention convened in The Hague at the Netherlands Congress Centre. 115 States Parties have registered for participation in the special session, which will consider the tenure of the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, as well as any further action regarding the Technical Secretariat.

The Conference's Chairman, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Heinrich Reimann of Switzerland, opened the plenary meeting.

OPCW Director-General José M. Bustani addressed the Conference.
The Director-General's address to the Conference is available on the OPCW website at www.opcw.org.

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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