U.S. Senator Lugar Voted 'Arms Control Person of the Year' for Efforts to Destroy Chemical Weapons in Russia
In an online poll conducted by the Arms Control Association (ACA), U.S. Senator Richard Lugar has been voted the "2009 Arms Control Person of the Year" in recognition of his long-standing support for U.S. financial contributions to construct Russia's new chemical weapons destruction facility at Shchuchye.
OPCW Director-General Pfirter with U.S. Senator Richard Lugar
"The international vote selecting Richard Lugar acknowledges the Senator's work last year, and clearly celebrates his multi-decade commitment to reducing Cold War legacy weapons," said Daryl G. Kimball, executive director of the Washington-based ACA.
The Shchuchye facility will eventually destroy some 2 million chemical munitions and 5,460 metric tonnes of deadly VX, sarin and soman agents, representing about 14% of Russia’s entire declared chemical weapons stockpile. OPCW inspectors will maintain a 24-hour presence at the facility until all chemical weapons munitions and agents at the site are verifiably destroyed.
The OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, attended the opening ceremonies for the Shchuchye facility with Senator Lugar in late May 2009.
The complete list of nominees for the ACA poll can be seen at
Categories: Outreach
For further information, please contact Michael Luhan, Head, OPCW Media & Public Affairs. Tel: + 31 (0) 70 416 3710 or +31 (0)6 5356 8512 or media@opcw.org | ORGANISATION FOR THE PROHIBITION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS, Johan de Wittlaan 32, 2517 JR The Hague, The Netherlands
More news
Spanish-language Course on Analysis of Chemicals in the Framework of OPCW Proficiency Testing Opens in Madrid
The second course on Analysis of Chemicals related to the Chemical Weapons Convention in the Framework of OPCW Proficiency Testing [PDF - 7.0 KB] was opened on 21 May 2012 in the Laboratorio de Verificación para las Armas...25 May 2012Full story
Course on Emergency Medical Assistance for Victims of Chemical Incidents Held in Ukraine
The OPCW and Government of Ukraine jointly organised a course on emergency medical assistance for the victims of chemical incidents or attacks, including chemical-warfare agents, in Kyiv from 7 to 11 May 2012. Eighteen...24 May 2012Full story
Advance Assistance-and-Protection Course Held in China
The OPCW and Government of the People’s Republic of China jointly organised an Advanced Assistance-and-Protection Course from 14 to 18 May 2012 at the Institute of Chemical Defence of the People’s Liberation Army in Beijing....24 May 2012Full story
Director-General Addresses Final Chemical Weapons Demilitarisation Conference in Scotland
OPCW Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü visited Glasgow on 21 and 22 May 2012 where he attended the 15th and final international Chemical Weapons Demilitarisation (CWD) Conference, hosted by the UK’s Defence Science and Technology...22 May 2012Full story
Director-General Visits USA for High-Level Meetings, Addresses Closing Ceremony of Chemical Materials Agency
OPCW Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü visited the United States of America on 16 and 17 May 2012 for meetings with senior U.S. Government officials in Washington D.C. and addressed a ceremony marking the completion of chemical...21 May 2012Full story
11th Regional Meeting of National Authorities in Eastern Europe Held in Warsaw
The OPCW and the Government of Poland organised the 11th Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Eastern Europe from 8 – 10 May 2012 in Warsaw. The meeting was attended by 23 participants from 21 States...14 May 2012Full story
Director-General Visits Malaysia, Addresses OPCW Regional Seminar on Chemical-Safety-and-Security Management
Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü visited Malaysia on 7 and 8 May 2012, where he had meetings with senior officials and a variety of national stakeholder institutions. He also delivered the keynote address during a seminar on the...08 May 2012Full story
Scientific Advisory Board Focuses on Third Review Conference and New Initiative in Education and Outreach
The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) met in its 18th session at OPCW headquarters from 16 to 19 April 2012. Comprising 25 independent scientists from all regional groups, the SAB plays an important role in providing the...04 May 2012Full story
Fourth Sub-regional Training Course for Customs Officials on Technical Aspects of the Transfers Regime Held in Kenya
The course was jointly organised by the OPCW and National Authority of Kenya from 17 to 20 April 2012 in Mombasa, and attended by 36 participants from 19 States Parties in East and Southern Africa.* It was the fourth course of...01 May 2012Full story
Mayor, Deputy Mayors of The Hague Visit OPCW to Discuss Collaboration on Local Issues
The Mayor of The Hague, Mr Jozias van Aartsen, and four deputy mayors visited the Technical Secretary yesterday for a detailed discussion with Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü and senior staff on ways to enhance understanding and...25 April 2012Full story
OPCW news by e-mail
Are you subscribed already and wish to unsubscribe or update your profile?
