H.E. Mr. Claude Heller, who was appointed Chairman of the United Nations Security Council 1540 Committee on 31 January 2010, paid a visit to the OPCW headquarters on 8 February 2010 and met with the Director-General, Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter.
Mr Heller recalled that the comprehensive review of the implementation of UNSCR 1540 which was conducted by the 1540 Committee in October last year underlined the importance of enhanced cooperation between the Committee and relevant international organisations. He therefore welcomed the opportunity for an exchange of views with the Director-General given the significant contribution that the OPCW is making to global non-proliferation efforts. He noted in particular the OPCW’s success in promoting effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) at the national level, which provides important insights as the Committee seeks to improve the implementation of UNSCR 1540 globally.
The Director-General noted that the OPCW’s cooperation with the 1540 Committee and UNODA is within the overall framework of its cooperation with the UN and underlined the importance of regular contact. He stated that the OPCW’s experience gained over the years in assisting States Parties in national implementation of the CWC offered valuable lessons for enhancing the ability of countries to fulfil their implementation obligations arising from various international legal instruments.
OPCW NEWS 02/2010