The Hague, 7 May 2004

Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia Visits the OPCW

H.E. Dr Miomir Žužul, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, visited the headquarters of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague on 7 May 2004. OPCW Director-General, Mr Rogelio Pfirter, briefed Mr Žužul on the status of the Chemical Weapons Convention’s (CWC) global implementation, the destruction of the stockpile of globally declared chemical weapons and the Organisation’s role in hindering the spread of these weapons of mass destruction.

In their meeting, Mr Žužul and Mr Pfirter discussed the threat of chemical terrorism, recognizing the crucial role of the Organisation in both preventing the proliferation of chemical weapons and in providing protection to the Member States to enhance civil protection and emergency response capabilities. Both Mr Zuzul and Mr Pfirter reaffirmed that the CWC’s universality and its full and effective implementation are crucial factors in ensuring the success of the global chemical weapons ban.

In this context they welcomed, the United Nations Security Council’s recently adopted Resolution 1540, which directs all States to implement the national measures required by the Chemical Weapons Convention, as well as all other disarmament treaties that limit or eliminate weapons of mass destruction. States Parties to the CWC and Member States of the United Nations have an obligation to ensure that these weapons cannot fall into the hands of terrorists.

Mr Žužul reiterated his Government’s strong commitment to the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention and lauded the Organisation’s achievements in its short seven-year history. Mr Pfirter expressed his appreciation for the invaluable support provided by the Government of the Republic of Croatia and looked forward to Croatia’s continuing, active involvement in the work of the Organisation.