The Hague, 24 June 2004

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia Visits the OPCW

H.E. Mrs Ilinka Mitreva, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, visited the headquarters of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague on 9 June 2004.

OPCW Director-General, Mr Rogelio Pfirter, briefed H.E. Mrs Mitreva on the status of the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), including the progress in chemical weapons destruction and non-proliferation, as well as the Organisation’s programme delivery in the areas of assistance and protection and international cooperation in the field of the peaceful uses of chemistry.

H.E. Mrs Mitreva and Director-General Pfirter also discussed the threat of the terrorist use of weapons of mass destruction. Mr Pfirter noted that the United Nations’ Security Council Resolution 1540 addresses specifically the binding obligation placed on all States to ensure the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons and their means of delivery, to non-State actors.

H.E. Mrs Mitreva reaffirmed her Government’s strong commitment to the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention, in its efforts to contribute to stability and security in the Balkan region.

Director-General Pfirter expressed his appreciation to H.E. Mrs Mitreva and her Government for this invaluable support and looked forward to her Government’s active involvement in the work of the Organisation.