Universal adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention
Adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention demonstrates a state's commitment to disarmament and international co-operation, and helps to reinforce its position in the mainstream of international politics. It builds confidence and transparency in security-related policies at regional and international levels. By embracing international norms of behaviour, the States Parties create a conducive atmosphere for bilateral and multilateral co-operation and interaction in the field of disarmament and security.
Related news and articles

Status of universality and external relations as at February 2009
20 February 2009Following are the paragraphs related to universality and external relations contained in the opening statement by the OPCW Director-General to the Executive Council at its 55th session.

Opening Statement by the Director-General to the Executive Council at its Fifty-fifth Session
20 February 2009The year has started very positively for the OPCW, with two new States Parties having joined the Chemical Weapons Convention. This brings the number of States Parties to this very successful Convention to 186. We had all greeted...

Iraq Designates National Authority For The Chemical Weapons Convention
16 February 2009In compliance with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), the Republic of Iraq has informed the OPCW that it has established the Iraqi National Monitoring Directorate, which will assume the functions of its...

