The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Director-General also discussed the critical importance of securing ratification by the Russian Federation. The Netherlands has been in the vanguard of those states offering assistance to Russia in the destruction of its chemical weapons, the cost of which is a major factor in the timing of Russian ratification. Emphasising the importance of having Russia take its rightful place in the OPCW, Mr Bustani explained that he plans to travel to Moscow next week to hold discussions with key government and State Duma officials and that prospects are good for ratification this autumn.
Mr Bustani expressed personal thanks for the support which has been provided to the OPCW by the Netherlands, particularly in the areas of providing visas, work with the construction of the permanent headquarters of the OPCW, and the movement of personnel and equipment for inspection through Schipol and Rotterdam airports. In addition to this excellent official relationship, the Director-General noted that the open, friendly nature of Dutch society in general and of The Hague in particular ensure that it will remain an excellent choice for international organisations to establish their headquarters.
PR14/1997