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Islamabad, April 09, 2013 (PPI-OT): Pakistan is participating in the Third Review Conference on Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) being held in The Hague from 8 April 2013. In the high level segment, the leader of Pakistan’s delegation Additional Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry delivered the national statement.
He underlined Pakistan’s commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention and highlighted the steps taken by Pakistan in preventing any misuse of toxic chemicals and promoting peaceful uses of chemistry. He also announced establishment of a Regional Assistance and Protection Centre in Islamabad in cooperation with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Pakistan is an active member of OPCW and has been consistently elected on the Executive Council of the Organization since 1998 and Coordinator for Asian State Parties since 2004. In addition to fulfilling its obligations towards CWC, Pakistan has developed indigenous assistance and protection capability meeting international standards, to respond to chemical emergencies and ensure chemical safety and security. Numerous International Assistance and Protection courses have also been arranged in Pakistan on behalf of OPCW.
The Review Conference was attended by United Nations Secretary General who stressed on the need to concert efforts to create a world free of chemical weapons. The focus of discussion at the Conference is on the future priorities of the OPCW as the total destruction of Chemical Weapons stockpile by major possessor states nears completion.
Pakistan’s delegation is constructively contributing to the deliberations of the Conference. Pakistan’s delegation also held meetings with the Director General of OPCW and key State Parties to promote cooperation between Pakistan and OPCW.
For more information, contact:
Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Ch
Spokesman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tell: 051-9205494
Fax: 051-9204202
Cell: 0336-5644459