The second course on Analysis of Chemicals related to the Chemical Weapons Convention in the Framework of OPCW Proficiency Testing [PDF – 7.0 KB] was opened on 21 May 2012 in the Laboratorio de Verificación para las Armas Quimicas (LAVEMA) at the Instituto Tecnológico in Madrid.
The 2-week course was specially arranged in Spanish for 12 participants from as many countries in the Latin American and Caribbean region,* plus another participant from Portugal. In attendance at the opening were the Director of the Instituto Tecnológico, the Secretary General of the National Authority of Spain, and the LAVEMA Director.
The course is intended for specialists from laboratories that are active or plan to become active in the analysis of chemicals related to the Convention, and from laboratories that are participating or intend to participate in OPCW proficiency testing. It is one of a series of analytical skills development courses specifically designed to enhance the capacity building efforts of the OPCW. Similar courses are also conducted in English, French and Russian to meet the needs of different geographic regions.
The course in Madrid was jointly organised by OPCW, National Authority of Spain and LAVEMA, and strengthened efforts to promote effective implementation of the Convention and its provisions relating to international cooperation in the peaceful uses of chemistry.
* Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.