The Hague, 26 July 2004

OPCW Director-General Visits Islamic Republic of Iran

The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter conducted an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, from 24 to 25 July 2004, at the invitation of the Iranian Government.

Director-General Pfirter briefed the Iranian Government on the status of the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the efforts undertaken by the OPCW in fulfilling its mandate to implement the global ban on chemical weapons, by eliminating all stockpiles and preventing the proliferation and re-emergence of chemical weapons all over the world. He additionally stressed the significance of universal adherence to the Convention and of full implementation of all its provisions by Member States, to ensure its ultimate success.

During his visit, the Director-General held meetings with the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, H.E. Dr Hassan Rouhani, and the Foreign Minister of Iran, H.E. Dr Kamal Kharazi who expressed their country’s views on the CWC. These exchanges with Iranian authorities also offered them an opportunity to ratify their support to the CWC, which Director-General Pfirter appreciated.

The official visit was closed with a call at the International Medical Centre for Training and Treatment against Chemical Weapons of Tehran, where the Director-General recalled the dramatic historical experience and the valuable work of Iran in this field.