Deputy Director-General Addresses Meeting of OPCW Permanent Representations in Brussels

The Deputy Director-General, Mrs Grace Asirwatham, addressed the meeting on 4 November 2011 at the African Union Permanent Mission in the company of the Chairperson of the OPCW Executive Council, Ambassador Peter Goosens.

The purpose of the gathering was to brief the Permanent Representations based in Brussels on current issues at the OPCW, including activities related to International Cooperation and Assistance. Ambassador Goosens responded to questions regarding preparations for the 16th Session of the Conference of the States Parties, which will take place from 28 November to 2 December in The Hague.

In her remarks, Mrs Asirwatham noted that 62 of the OPCW’s 188 Permanent Representations are based in Brussels, including 33 from the African Group, and welcomed the opportunity to speak with the group. She reviewed the main challenges facing the Organisation, referencing the report of the Advisory Panel on Future Priorities of the OPCW and the retreat held in September with 80 Permanent Representatives to discuss its recommendations.

The Deputy Director-General provided an update on developments in Libya and the recent visit of an OPCW inspection team to the storage depot in Ruwagha, which found that the full stockpile of undestroyed sulfur mustard and precursors remains in place. She noted the upcoming deadline of 29 April 2012 for the complete destruction of global chemical weapons stockpiles, and that over 70% of all declared stockpiles have been destroyed to date. She added that Russia and the United States will miss the deadline, and that informal discussions are being held by Ambassador Goosens to deal with the issue in a constructive manner.

Mrs Asirwatham stated that, in an age of uncertainties and terrorist threats, preventing the misuse of toxic chemicals is as important as the non-proliferation of chemical weapons. In this context she noted the OPCW’s Conference on International Cooperation and Chemical Safety and Security, held in September to commemorate the International Year of Chemistry. She said the Conference resulted in the clear recognition by States Parties of the OPCW as a forum for concerted action in the field of chemical safety and security.

The Deputy Director-General reviewed a number of administrative issues facing the Technical Secretariat, including the proposed 2012 budget, expected staff reductions, and tenure policy.  She noted that even though the overall budget has been reduced, there is an increase of 13% in the budget for International Cooperation and Assistance. She cited the Programme to Strengthen Cooperation with Africa as an example of the great importance the OPCW gives to maintaining close relations with African States Parties and regional organisations such as the African Union, who are indispensible partners in furthering the full and effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Categories: Deputy Director-General, Outreach