OPCW Director-General Visits Croatia, Meets President Mesic

The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, paid an official visit to the Republic of Croatia from 19 to 20 September 2005. During his visit, Director-General Pfirter was received by H.E. Mr. Stipe Mesic, the President of the Republic of Croatia.

He also held meetings with H.E. Mr. M. Rabotek, State Secretary, Ministry of Defence; and H.E. Mr. Tomislav Vidosevic, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Welcoming the Director-General, President Mesic reiterated the support of Croatia for the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and for the activities carried out by the OPCW. Croatia is fully participating in the efforts by the international community in order to confront terrorism and make the world a safer place.

The Director-General informed the President of Croatia of the status of activities of the OPCW in realising the main objectives of the CWC with regards to disarmament and non-proliferation of chemical weapons. He underlined the crucial importance of achieving universality and full national implementation of the provisions of the CWC, as a guarantee for the elimination of this entire category of weapons of mass destruction. These objectives are even more important at a time when the world is confronted with the threat of global terrorism and the aim of different actors to acquire and use weapons of mass destruction.

Ambassador Pfirter recalled Croatia's successful hosting of the first OPCW exercise on the delivery of assistance (ASSISTEX 1) in 2002 and updated President Mesic on the next exercise to be held in the Ukraine. President Mesic reassured the OPCW Director-General that Croatia will continue to actively participate in the work of the OPCW and will be adequately represented at the upcoming exercise Joint Assistance 2005.

In their meeting at the Ministry of Defence, State Secretary H.E. Mr M. Rabotek and Director-General Pfirter engaged in a fruitful exchange of views on the implementation of the CWC and the important contribution that Croatia is making towards the objectives of the CWC, including programmes dealing with assistance and protection in the event of a threat or use of chemical weapons.

Introduction

Handbook on Chemicals (2005 Draft)

Scheduled chemicals of special interest

Transfer of Scheduled Chemicals

Monitoring Chemicals with Possible Chemical Weapons Applications

Non-Proliferation

Administrative Law

UN-OPCW Relationship Agreement

Legal Publications

Legal Internships

Mr Tomislav Vidosevic, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, in his discussions with Director-General Pfirter, reaffirmed the Government of Croatia's unwavering support for the goals of the CWC and its strong support for the Organisation. At this meeting Director-General Pfirter detailed the status of the Convention's implementation and the global chemical weapons ban.

The Director-General also visited the Chambers of Commerce of Croatia and met with representatives of the chemical industry. The Vice-President of the Chambers of Commerce, Ms Dunja Konjevod, stated the firm interest of the Croatian chemical industry in supporting the goals of the OPCW in the area of chemicals, and to ensure that chemicals are not diverted for purposes prohibited by the CWC. Director-General Pfirter, in his remarks, highlighted the significance of the role and contribution of chemical industry in support of the OPCW's mission.

48/2005

Categories: Eastern Europe, Outreach