OPCW Director-General Visits Algeria

The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, paid an official visit to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria from 20 to 22 February 2006.

During his visit, Director-General Pfirter met H. E. Dr Mohamed Bedjaoui, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, and provided him with an overview of the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) globally and within the region.

In his discussions with Foreign Minister Bedjaoui and senior officials of the Algerian Government, the Director-General reviewed the progress being achieved to meet the goals set by the OPCW Action Plans on National Implementation and Universality.

Foreign Minister Bedjaoui reiterated his country's strong commitment to the OPCW and emphasized Algeria's firm resolve to support the effort to attain universal membership, as well as the full and effective implementation of the Convention. He expressed full support for the Director-General’s effort to promote the universality of the CWC in the Mediterranean Basin and in Africa in general.

Ambassador Pfirter met Mr Madjid Bougerra, Director-General of Multilateral Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed the status of Algeria's implementation of the CWC. The Director-General commended the Algerian government for offering to other Member States, especially in Africa, expert assistance in implementing their Article VII obligations. The OPCW Director-General Pfirter expressed the hope that such close cooperation with the Algerian Government would continue in order to achieve the common goals enshrined in the CWC.

In this regard, Director-General Pfirter was informed by the Algerian authorities of their Government’s continuing effort to ensure the effective implementation of the CWC. To complement the Algerian national legislation, four decrees relating to the management and control of chemicals are under consideration. The enactment of national legislation is an obligation of States Parties to the CWC. Director-General Pfirter welcomed this step as a very positive development, stressing the need for comprehensive national implementing legislation to ensure that chemicals are not diverted for purposes prohibited by the CWC.

Director-General Pfirter also held meetings with H.E. Mr Chakib Khelil, Minister of Energy and Mines and Mr M Khoudry, Secretary General of the Ministry of Industry. They both expressed their Government's firm commitment to the safe use of chemical science and technology. They requested the OPCW’s technical support in areas linked with the peaceful uses of chemistry, as well as in the provision of assistance and protection against the use or threat of use of chemical weapons. The Director-General indicated the readiness of the Technical Secretariat to support Algeria in these fields.

Ambassador Pfirter also visited the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism and met its Director, H.E. Mr Abdelhamid Boubazine. Speaking at the Centre, the OPCW Director-General reiterated that the full and effective national application of the provisions of the CWC can play a key role in preventing terrorists from acquiring and using toxic chemicals as weapons.

PR10 / 2006

Categories: Africa, Outreach