THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 22 July 2019 — The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, expressed today deep sadness upon receiving the news of the passing away of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), H.E. Mr Yukiya Amano.
Director-General Arias stated: “The world has lost a champion of peace who worked tirelessly to ensure that atomic power is used solely for the benefit of humankind. It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to Mr Amano who was an outstanding Japanese diplomat. We can find comfort in remembering his legacy, which will serve as an inspiration to all who strive towards global peace, security, and development.”
The OPCW Director-General sends his deepest sympathies to Mr Amano’s family and the staff of the IAEA Secretariat.
Background
As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Convention’s entry into force in 1997, it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.
Over 97% percent of all chemical weapon stockpiles declared by possessor States have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.