Statement by the Organization of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons at the 4th session of the conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and other WMD

Statement by the Organization of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons at the 4th session of the conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and other WMD

The statement notes that the CWC is directly relevant to the establishment of an ME WMDFZ. The statement highlights the milestone of the destruction of all declared chemical weapons stockpiles and must retain and preserve the demilitarisation expertise to deal with new recoveries of old or abandoned chemical weapons. The second milestone is the inauguration of the Centre for Chemistry and Technology (ChemTech Centre). The Centre enables the OPCW’s adaptation to scientific and technological developments that impact the convention’s implementation and supports the Secretariat’s ability to monitor and respond to emerging risks and embrace new opportunities. The statement highlights the work of the OPCW in Iraq and Syria. It also notes the capacity-building programme for state parties in the Middle East. It calls upon Israel and Egypt to join the Convention.