The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Visits the OPCW

On 7 March 2006, H.E. Mr. Borys Tarasyuk, Foreign Minister of Ukraine, paid an official visit to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague. The OPCW implements the Chemical Weapons Convention, which bans absolutely the development, production, stockpiling or use of chemical weapons, while stipulating the irreversible destruction of all existing stocks of these weapons.

On 7 March 2006, H.E. Mr. Borys Tarasyuk, Foreign Minister of Ukraine, paid an official visit to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague. The OPCW implements the Chemical Weapons Convention, which bans absolutely the development, production, stockpiling or use of chemical weapons, while stipulating the irreversible destruction of all existing stocks of these weapons.

OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, briefed Minister Tarasyuk on the status of the Convention’s implementation by the OPCW’s 178 Member States. He provided information on the progress made towards the elimination of the global stockpile and in the application of the non-proliferation program designed to prevent these weapon’s re-emergence.

Minister Tarasyuk, in his meeting with Director-General, expressed his Government’s firm support for the Convention’s goals and reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to cooperation with the OPCW. He assured Director-General Pfirter that Ukraine intends to act as a reliable partner and is proud to have hosted a major OPCW field exercise, Joint Assistance, in October 2005.

In addition, at both the regional and national level, Minister Tarasyuk reiterated his Government’s intention to ensure the Convention’s full and effective application. This engagement with the OPCW is an important component in Ukraine’s active involvement in the global effort to eliminate weapons of mass destruction.

Director-General Pfirter expressed on behalf of the OPCW gratitude for Ukraine’s unwavering support and cooperation, which he expected to help achieve the Convention’s universality.

In their meeting, Director-General Pfirter described the preparations for the first observance of the Remembrance Day for all victims of chemical warfare, which is to be held every year on 29 April, the date of the Convention’s entry into force in international law. Minister Tarasyuk assured Director-General Pfirter of Ukraine’s endorsement of this commendable initiative as it will serve to ensure that future generations will understand, respect and uphold the ban on chemical weapons.

PR13 / 2006

Categories: Eastern Europe, Outreach