Rogelio Pfirter, Director-General, Technical Secretariat, OPCW
This document is available in Arabic, Chinese, English and Russian.
The OPCW's mission is to free the world of chemical weapons. 182 States Parties, including 48 from Asia, have joined forces to achieve this goal. This vision is enshrined in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which entered into force in 1997. Since then, almost 90% of the declared chemical weapons production facilities have been verifiably eliminated. In addition, almost 30% of the munitions, and almost 1/4 of the chemical agent have been irreversibly destroyed under international monitoring.
However, achieving global chemical disarmament remains a formidable challenge. The threat of use of chemical weapons is real. Of all weapons of mass destruction, chemical weapons are simplest to produce, stockpile and use. These weapons present a danger to all people, in particular in areas of conflict. They also pose a particular risk in the hands of terrorists. Preventing such a catastrophe is not a task that can be dealt with only by some; it requires action by the entire international community.
A chemical weapons-free world will only be achieved if all countries join the CWC and implement it fully. Development, production, stockpiling, transferring, or using chemical weapons must be criminalized in every country.
The CWC benefits all nations by eliminating a common threat and enhancing mutual trust. The CWC is non-discriminatory and mandates the OPCW to deliver concrete support to all Member States. Nations that are threatened by chemical attack, or actually suffer such an attack, can call upon the OPCW's assistance and protection.
Member States also support the development of national capacity to implement the CWC. Asia is a major stakeholder in the OPCW. This booklet lists some of the benefits which membership in the CWC has already brought to Member
States in Asia.
In particular, the OPCW offers a number of international cooperation programmes for Asia, to facilitate the exchange of scientific and technical information among States Parties and to promote the peaceful uses of chemistry.These programmes yield real economic benefits.
The OPCW is very pleased to be able to conduct technical assistance visits, training workshops and regional meetings of National Authorities in Asia in order to enhance regional cooperation in the effective implementation of the Convention. Through the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, Asian States Parties make a contribution to their economic and technological development, as well as to their own and global security.
I look forward to continuing to work closely with you on these vital tasks. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Entry into Force of the CWC. I wish to commend all OPCW Member States for the unwavering commitment to achieve the CWC goals.
The Chemical Weapons Convention is an international treaty which bans the development, production, stockpiling, transfer and use of chemical weapons, and it requires their destruction. The Convention entered into force in 1997 and mandated the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to eliminate chemical weapons and to destroy the declared chemical weapons stockpiles within stipulated deadlines.
In their routine on-site inspections, the OPCW's inspectors inventory regularly the secured stockpiles of declared chemical weapons and verify the irreversible destruction of these stockpiles. In addition, the OPCW's inspectors certify the inactivation, and later destruction, or conversion to peaceful purposes, of all declared chemical weapons production facilities.
At the same time, together with the States Parties, the OPCW verifies through on-site inspections the consistency of States Parties' industrial chemical declarations and monitors the non-diversion of chemicals for activities prohibited under this Convention.
In addition, States Parties are obligated to provide protection and assistance through the Organisation, if chemical weapons have been used against a State Party, or if such weapons threaten a State Party.
The Chemical Weapons Convention calls for international cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of chemistry.
Figures on chemical disarmament, non-proliferation and inspections change periodically. For up-to-date information, please visit the Facts and Figures section of the OPCW website at www.opcw.org.
Asian States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention are actively involved in the work of the OPCW policy-making organs and subsidiary bodies.
H.E. Mr Young-shik Song of the Republic of Korea was the Chairman of the Third Session of the Conference of the States Parties — the supreme organ of the OPCW — from 16 November 1998 to 28 June 1999.
Ambassador Dato' Noor Farida Ariffin of Malaysia was the Chairperson of the Conference of the States Parties at its Eighth Session.
At the Eleventh Session of the Conference of the States Parties, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Philippines are Vice-Chairs, and Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are represented on the Credentials Committee.
Nine Asian States always represent the Asian region, on a rotational basis, on the Executive Council — a 41-member executive organ. One further State Party is designated consecutively by States Parties located in the regions of Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean, as a rotating member from these regions.
From 12 May 2007 to 11 May 2008, the Asian members of the Council are China, India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand; and H.E. Mr Romeo A. Arguelles of the Philippines is the Chairperson of this Council.
H.E. Mr Prabhakar Menon from India was the first Chairman of the Executive Council, from 13 May 1997 to 13 May 1998. H.E. Mr Lionel Fernando of Sri Lanka was the Chairman of the Executive Council from 11 May 2002 to 12 May 2003.
China, India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Pakistan, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea are also represented on OPCW subsidiary bodies, including the Advisory Body on Administrative and Financial Matters, the Confidentiality Commission, and the Scientific Advisory Board. Pakistan is the External Auditor for a six-year term (2003-2008).
Individually and collectively these States Parties make an important contribution to the work of the OPCW.
The contribution of the Asian Regional Group is also reflected in a number of senior posts in the Technical Secretariat held by nationals from this region, including the Director of the External Relations Division, the Director of the Inspectorate Division, the Head of Human Resources, and the Heads of the Branches dealing with International Cooperation, Operations and Planning, Technical Support, Government Relations and Political Affairs, and Training and Staff Development.
Information on the composition of OPCW policy-making organs changes periodically. For up-to-date information, please visit the Member States section of the OPCW website at www.opcw.org.
BANGLADESH
I would like to reiterate Bangladesh's strong and unequivocal commitment to the CWC. We were one of the very first countries to sign and ratify the CWC. It would be our continuous endeavor to see to the full and effective implementation of the Convention. Next year, we would be commemorating the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention. This would afford us an opportunity to take stock of our progress and chart out future course of action in truly ridding the world of the scourge of chemical weapons.
CHINA
The Chemical Weapons Convention is the first international instrument on complete prohibition and total destruction of a whole category of weapons of mass destruction under a stringent verification regime. It has played a crucial role in banning and destroying chemical weapons and in preventing proliferation of such weapons. We are pleased to note that in nearly 10 years since the entry into force of the Convention, remarkable achievements have been made in promoting its universality. By now, its membership has increased to 181. Member States have also made significant progress in adopting implementation measures. China supports the efforts to further promote and implement the Plans of Action on Universality and on National Implementation Measures, with a view to bringing even more countries into the Convention and helping the countries concerned overcome their difficulties so that they can adopt the national implementation measures as required by the Convention at the earliest possible date.
INDIA
The Second Review Conference presents an opportunity to review the operation of the Convention, which is a successful, multilaterally-negotiated, universal non-discriminatory disarmament treaty. The most important task before this Conference will be to uphold the Convention in its entirety and reiterate our unreserved commitment to the implementation of all its aspects.
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
The CWC is equally a unique comprehensive multilateral agreement banning an entire category of weapons of mass destruction. It pushes multilateralism beyond the often narrowly perceived power politics. It is non-discriminatory. It does not create a category of haves and have nots. It is a truly non-proliferation and disarmament treaty in that it has designed a time-bound destruction program. And, it is simultaneously to promote international cooperation in the field of chemical technology.
JAPAN
As we approach towards the 10-year Anniversary of the Convention after its entry into force, Japan urges all the remaining States not Party including Israel, Egypt, Syria, Myanmar, and DPRK to join the Convention immediately. The full implementation of the obligations under the Convention is an important means of fighting proliferation and chemical terrorism. We have witnessed a fair improvement of the implementation of Article VII obligations since the adoption of the Plan of Action.
KUWAIT
The State of Kuwait considers the achievement of the universality of the Convention, through the adherence of States that have yet to join it, as conducive to the realisation of the principle of international cooperation for international peace and security. It is working to better meet the objectives of the Convention. We are also striving, using international and regional organisations – the League of Arab States in particular – to make the Middle East a region free of all weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons.
MALAYSIA
The increasing number of ratifications and accessions to the CWC is an important indicator of the global acceptance of its disarmament and verification regimes. This impressive number is also testimony to the effective implementation of the Plan of Action on Universality. Malaysia is fully supportive of the Action Plan and the Secretariat's efforts to implement the Plan.
NEPAL
Nepal, as a Party to CWC, is committed to the provisions stipulated in the Convention. We have always extended our full cooperation with the international community to achieve full ban on the production, use, stockpiling and proliferation of the chemical weapons. The full implementation of the CWC will significantly contribute to achieve the disarmament goals. Nepal has always taken the position on total disarmament, including Chemical Weapons in time-bound framework and has expressed its faith unfathomable to the UN Charter and signed several international treaties related to disarmament.
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
This year, we have made great strides in achieving the ultimate goal of the OPCW, namely the realization of the world free of chemical weapons: Possessor states have continued to destroy their chemical weapons stockpiles as committed under the Convention; The universality of the Convention has been noticeably advanced; Much progress has also been made on the national implementation of the Convention under Article VII by all States Parties. The Second Review Conference to be held in 2008 will be a unique occasion to evaluate the ten year's experience in implementing the Convention. It will provide us with a good opportunity to examine the future challenges in the chemical weapons disarmament and non-proliferation regime.
PAKISTAN
We approach the 10th Anniversary of the Convention's entry into force with a sense of satisfaction and hope engendered by the OPCW record of accomplishments. The Organisation is a unique institution based on the only legal instrument that comprehensively bans an entire class of weapons of mass destruction under conditions of strict multilateral verification. This is in contrast with regimes governing other weapons of mass destruction.
PHILIPPINES
The destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles remains the primary goal of the convention. It is to the best interest of humanity that chemical weapons be totally eliminated. It is therefore a concern to this delegation that major possessors are falling behind their destruction deadlines.We have heard and noted, with understanding, the challenges that are being faced by the possessor states. Nevertheless, we join many in urging them to adhere to the deadline set for the destruction of chemical weapons.
SAUDI ARABIA
The contribution of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the efforts to prohibit chemical weapons and to dispose of them completely is in line with its policy calling for the prohibition of all types of weapons of mass destruction and stressing the need to dispose of such weapons, since their very existence constitutes a danger for international peace and security. This contribution stems from our desire to cooperate with other members of the international community, in conformity with international laws and conventions on disarmament relating to weapons of mass destruction, primarily the Chemical Weapons Convention, under the aegis of which we are meeting today, and the first paragraph of the preamble of which states that States Parties are determined to act with a view to achieving general and complete disarmament concerning all types of weapons of mass destruction.
SINGAPORE
Singapore strongly believes that states need to join together at the global and regional levels to curb illicit activities related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. In this respect, the Convention plays a crucial role in making the world a safer and more secure place. It is crucial that States Parties maintain their political will and determination to eradicate chemical weapons. Singapore will, on its part, do all we can to support the goals of the Convention, as well as the efforts of the OPCW to promote these objectives.
SRI LANKA
As a country affected by terrorism, Sri Lanka is very much concerned of the possibility of chemical weapons falling into the hands of terrorists. In this regard, Sri Lanka welcomes the adoption of the UN Security Council resolution 1540 and the Global Counter Terrorism Strategy at the UN General Assembly this year and requests the Conference to identify further measures to prevent the non-State actors from acquiring the chemical weapons capability. My delegation urges the Conference to take measures to build capacity in the OPCW in order to ensure speedy and effective response in case a States Party requests for assistance in the event of an attack.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
There is no doubt that the most important objective pursued through the Chemical Weapons Convention is the preservation of international peace and security. Now, since terrorism, in the comprehensive sense of this term, has in recent times posed a major threat to international peace and security, the United Arab Emirates calls for terrorism to be combated in its broadest definition and in all its forms and manifestations, whether it is exercised by individuals, groups or States, through compliance with the obligations arising from the Chemical Weapons Convention.
VIET NAM
The continuous and rapid increase in the Convention membership since its entry into force has proved the universality and effectiveness of the Convention. This also reflects the desire and commitment of the majority of the international community to build a peaceful world free from chemical weapons.
YEMEN
My country and its political leadership are aware of the importance of peaceful cooperation between States and of preserving their achievements and capabilities, and are desirous to make peace and security prevail as a way to achieve coexistence of peoples and nations. Against this background, my country’s Government has been paying great attention to the issue of addressing the Chemical Weapons Convention and of complying with its provisions, which would promote international peace and stability and reduce the risks of seeing wars break out in which weapons of mass destruction might be used. […] My country is fully committed to fostering its cooperation with the OPCW and with the States Parties to the Convention. This stems from our desire to bring about a world free of chemical weapons and to contribute effectively to making our region free of all weapons of mass destruction after the horrors of the wars and bloody conflicts that it has now been enduring for more than fifty years.
NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT (NAM) AND CHINA
NAM CWC States Parties and China emphasize once again that the objectives of the Convention can be best addressed through multilaterally negotiated, universal, comprehensive and non- discriminatory agreements by
all CWC States Parties. We reiterate our conviction that facilitation of and participation in the fullest possible exchanges and enhance international cooperation in the field of peaceful chemical activities, aimed at facilitating economic and social development, is a vital element in strengthening implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
The OPCW has developed a range of international cooperation, implementation support and chemical weapons protection-related programmes through extensive consultations with Member States and their National Authorities. These programmes are directly relevant to the needs and priorities of Asian States. A general overview of the period from Entry into Force (EIF) of the Chemical Weapons Convention, 29 April 1997, to the present is provided below.
Since Entry into Force, Asian Member States have generously supported the Organisation's international cooperation programmes. The Governments of Japan, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia and Thailand have made voluntary financial contributions to ensure the delivery of these essential programmes. In addition, Asian Member States provide a broad spectrum of support, ranging from the provision of logistical services for workshops, seminars and conferences, to the replacement of outdated information technology and software, and funding for new training programmes and for consultancy services.
The OPCW Associate Programme, which facilitates capacity-building, industry-related national implementation of the Convention and the promotion of good practice in chemical manufacturing and safety, has benefited 36 participants from Asian States since 2000. Since 2003, the Government of Japan has made voluntary contributions to the Associate Programme.
The annual Analytical Skills Development Course, which began in 2004, aims to assist qualified analytical chemists in acquiring further experience and practical knowledge in the analysis of chemicals related to the national implementation of the CWC. This course has benefited 19 chemists from the Asian Region.
The Conference Support Programme provides financial support for the organisation of conferences, workshops and seminars on special topics relevant to the Convention and facilitates attendance at such events. Since EIF, 303 Asian participants have benefited from these events. In addition, the Organisation sponsored 28 events in Asia. A voluntary contribution from the Republic of Korea was utilised for one of these events.
The Internship Support Programme provides support to scientists and engineers from developing countries to gain experience through internships in laboratories in industrialised countries, such as through conducting advanced research. Thirteen interns from Asian countries have been supported by the Organisation so far.
The Programme for Support of Research Projects assists small-scale research projects in developing countries for the development of scientific and technical knowledge in the field of chemistry for industrial, agricultural, research, medical and other peaceful purposes relevant to the Convention. Since EIF, 88 projects in Asian States have benefited from this programme.
Fourteen laboratories in the Asian region have benefited from the Laboratory Assistance Programme, aimed at improving the technical competence of laboratories engaged in chemical analysis and monitoring.
Nine transfers to Asian States have been undertaken under the Equipment Exchange Programme, which facilitates the transfer of used and functional equipment to publicly funded laboratories and other academic institutions in developing countries from institutions in industrialised countries.
The Technical Secretariat is engaged in providing implementation-related support to Member States including assistance to prepare legislation necessary to implement the requirements of the Convention at the national level and, to assist them to increase the administrative and expert capacities of their National Authorities through the Technical Secretariat's diverse training programmes, meetings and technical workshops. More than 600 participants from Asian States Parties have attended the Technical Secretariat's implementation support programmes since their inception in December 2000.
Since 2005, annual assistance and protection courses are held in the Republic of Korea for Asian Member States. 52 participants received training in planning and building a support team in civil protection and decontamination operations in contaminated areas, as well as in appropriate responses and countermeasures in the event of incidents involving chemical-warfare agents. In June 2007 Korea will host the third such course. The long-term regional capacity-building project for Central Asian countries launched in 2003 is aimed at developing regional capabilities to respond to incidents involving chemical warfare agents, training their first responders and building a regional network. Around 200 specialists from 6 participating countries of the region attended the project activities.
Since 1997, over 500 participants from Asia have attended workshops and training courses in the area of Assistance and Protection.
In total, over 1,400 participants from this region have attended events organised by the OPCW's International Cooperation and Assistance Division since EIF.
The tenth anniversary of Entry into Force of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which falls on 29 April 2007, provides to all States Parties an important opportunity to renew their commitment to the CWC purposes and objectives, including the abolition of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.
26-27 March 2007 |
London, United Kingdom |
UK Celebrations of the 10th Anniversary |
| 3 April 2007 | Buenos Aires, Argentina | High-level meeting of Mercosur and Associate States on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary |
| 14-15 April 2007 | Cavtat, Croatia | Workshop on the 10th Anniversary |
19 April 2007 |
Rome, Italy |
International Conference on the 10th Anniversary |
25-27 April 2007 |
Berlin, Germany |
Symposium on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary |
9 May 2007 |
The Hague |
Opening Memorial and Commemoration Ceremonies |
9 May 2007 |
Tehran, Iran |
10th Anniversary Commemoration ceremony |
15 May 2007 |
Brussels, Belgium |
10th Anniversary Conference |
29 June 2007 |
Sardashat, Iran |
Seminar on chemical weapons |
27-29 August 2007 |
Sapporo, Japan |
Session on the 10th Anniversary |
| 18 - 19 Sept. 2007 | The Hague | OPCW Academic Forum |
| 8 October 2007 | New York, USA | Symposium: "Effective multilateralism as exemplified by the OPCW" |
| October 2007 | Tehran, Iran | International Seminar: "The use of chemical weapons against the Islamic Republic of Iran, its impacts and consequences" |
| 1-2 November 2007 | The Hague | OPCW Industry and Protection Forum |
| 11 November 2007 | Ieper, Belgium | Armistice Day Commemoration |
In 2007, the following OPCW international and regional activities that are relevant to Asia will take place. Please note that this information is subject to change. For the latest information, please visit the Calendar page of the OPCW website.
23-25 April |
Hanoi,Viet Nam |
Subregional Workshop for Customs Authorities in Southeast Asia on Technical Aspects of the Transfers Regime. |
| 7-8 June 2007 | Colombo, Sri Lanka | Regional Meeting of Representatives of National Authorities and Parliaments in Asia. |
See the list of Asian Member States
For the latest update on the status of participation in the CWC, visit the Facts and Figures section of the OPCW website (www.opcw.org).
Asia and the OPCW
March 2007 Edition
External Relations Division, Technical Secretariat, OPCW
ORGANISATION FOR THE PROHIBITION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS
Johan de Wittlaan 32
2517 JR The Hague
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 70 416 3300
Fax: +31 70 306 3535
www.opcw.org