The Group of Eight Calls for Universal Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention

The Group of Eight (G8) nations, meeting in their 2006 summit, held in St. Petersburg, the Russian Federation, issued on 16 July 2006 a declaration on non-proliferation.

The G8 expressed its joint determination to fulfil arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation obligations and commitments under relevant international treaties, conventions and multilaterally agreed arrangements to which the nations are parties, or in which the eight nations participate. This resolve to implement these treaties and agreements in full is an essential element of the G8’s efforts to confront proliferation.

The eight nations called all other States to meet their obligations and commitments in full in this regard.

The G8 called on all states not Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) to accede to this treaty without delay.

The Group of Eight nations affirmed their continuing support for the full implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The destruction of chemical weapons by the possessor states is ongoing. The G8 is encouraged by the fact that the stockpiles of these deadly weapons are gradually decreasing. The eight nations acknowledged the obligations of the possessor states to destroy their chemical weapons and to destroy or convert their chemical weapons production facilities within the time limits provided for by the Chemical Weapons Convention.

The increasing number of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention was welcomed by the group, which also acknowledged the value of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons' (OPCW) Action Plan on national implementation measures, as well as the improvement in the adoption of such measures. The G8 urged States Parties to continue and to intensify efforts in this direction. The Group of Eight pledged in its resolution that these nations stood ready to provide appropriate assistance.

OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, welcomed the continuing commitment of the Group of Eight to the Chemical Weapons Convention and was gratified by the expression of support the G8 has provided to maintain a universal and effective chemical weapons ban.

PR39 Rev.1 / 2006

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