sub-regional workshop for States parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention in
the Southern African Development Community region: 9 to 11 July 2007
10 July 2007
The South African Government and the Organisation for the Prohibition of
Chemical Weapons (OPCW) are jointly hosting a workshop for States parties to
the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) from the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) in Tshwane from 9 to 11 July 2007. Thirty five participants
from all SADC countries are attending the workshop which is taking place at
Kievitskroon outside Pretoria. The purpose of the workshop is for SADC
countries to exchange information on the implementation of the CWC and to
interact with the technical secretariat of the OPCW in this regard.
A formal dinner was hosted by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms Sue
van der Merwe on 9 July 2007, in honour of the visit by the Director-General
(DG) of the OPCW, Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter and to celebrate the 10th
anniversary of the entry into force of the CWC. The following are the
statements made by Deputy Minister van der Merwe and Ambassador Pfirter, DG of
the OPCW in the context of the workshop.
Opening address by Ms Sue Van Der Merwe, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
on the occasion of the sub-regional workshop for States parties to the Chemical
Weapons Convention in the SADC region and of the celebration of the 10th
anniversary of the Entry Into Force of the convention, Kievitskroon
Deputy Minister Thabethe
Your Excellencies, ambassadors and high commissioners
Distinguished delegates and guests
Ladies and Gentleman
I welcome all our guests to South Africa and express the hope that the
warmth of the reception and of the discussions amongst friends and neighbours
will compensate for the cold of the South African winter.
It is my privilege and honour to address you tonight on the occasion of the
start of the sub-regional workshop to raise awareness about the CWC. We are
honoured as a country to host this event, which aims not only to celebrate the
10th anniversary of the entry into force of the CWC but also to launch
discussions on the implementation of this convention in the SADC region.
This is a particularly important topic in a world that has become
increasingly unsafe following the 11 September 2001 attacks on the United
States of America (USA). Those events have highlighted the threats to
international peace and security posed by the potential of chemical weapons
falling into the wrong hands. This heightened threat has resulted in a greater
determination by some countries to pursue and impose their narrow national
security interests internationally at the expense of broader development
objectives. The "war on terror" or "the terror of war" and the siege mentality
that has arisen out of the potential security threats posed by terrorists has
led to countries digging in their heels and holding on to weapons of mass
destruction under the guise of a deterrence against potential threats to their
own security.
Yet, we are no closer to guaranteeing a more secure world today than we were
when these weapons of mass destruction were in the hands of the superpowers
only. Speaking at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1998, former
South African President Mr Nelson Mandela asked those who justify, "These
terrible and terrifying weapons of mass destruction, why do they need them
anyway?" In reality, no rational answer can be advanced to explain in a
satisfactory manner what in the end is the consequence of cold war inertia and
an attachment to the use of the threat of brute force to assert the primacy of
some States over others."
South Africa sees non-proliferation within the context of a much broader and
all encompassing development process, which is part of our foreign policy
agenda. Towards this end we have committed ourselves to promoting and
supporting the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction with the goal
of international peace, stability and security whilst at the same time also
ensuring that control measures do not become means whereby developing countries
are denied access to advanced technologies required for their own development.
The challenge we are all faced with is to balance genuine security concerns
with development objectives, within the context of non-proliferation of weapons
of mass destruction.
It is therefore encouraging to note the unique role played by the CWC and
the OPCW in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. No other process,
institution or mechanism in this field has come close to realising in a similar
manner the destruction and prohibition of an entire category of weapons of mass
destruction. The CWC is currently the only multilateral instrument that is
realising actual disarmament, subject to an effective system of verification,
as well as setting specific deadlines whereby such destruction has to be
completed.
Speaking at the special session of the OPCW Executive Council, on 9 October
2000, the former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso argued that,
"The convention on the prohibition of chemical weapons incorporates in an
exemplary manner, elements that are essential for international peace and
security: disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,
scientific and technological co-operation as well as the legitimacy that is
intrinsic to the rules established by multilateral diplomacy."
The OPCW has, amongst others, accomplished the verification of the
destruction of more than 17,6 metric tons of chemical weapon agents (almost a
quarter of the global stockpile of 71 metric tons) and is overseeing the
destruction of 2,67 million chemical munitions and containers (representing 30%
of the total number of 8,6 million chemical munitions and containers).
Compliance with the legal provisions of the CWC is therefore a must for all of
us.
We all have an obligation not merely to comply for the sake of compliance
but to use the opportunities to be found in the CWC to create a more secure
world in which our developmental objectives can be realised. We must therefore
continue to encourage the fullest possible exchange of chemicals, equipment,
scientific and technical information relating to the development and
application of chemistry for peaceful purposes.
I trust that all of you have had the opportunity to view the exhibition
commemorating the 10th anniversary which has kindly been provided by the OPCW.
The exhibition constitutes not only a stark reminder of the scourge that this
convention is fighting, but is also a good indication of the extremely
important work that we as States parties are doing through the OPCW to rid the
world of these horrific weapons.
I take this opportunity to call on all States parties to the CWC who possess
chemical weapons to actively continue with their destruction programmes and to
ensure that all chemical weapons stockpiles are destroyed by the agreed
deadlines.
South Africa supports the efforts of the OPCW to stop the spread of chemical
weapons, especially in view of the rapidly growing global chemical industry. In
particular South Africa supports the promotion of international co-operation in
the peaceful uses of chemistry, with a particular focus on developing countries
which are States parties to the CWC.
It is our view that, as we approach the second Review Conference of the CWC
in 2008 and the deadline for the destruction of all chemical weapons by 2012,
States parties will increasingly have to consider ways in which the convention
could contribute to the fostering of economic and technological development in
the chemical industries of developing States parties. It is important that we
as States parties envisage a future for the convention that is not only based
on security related issues but also recognises in a more comprehensive manner,
the interests of developing States parties to the convention.
Turning to the sub-regional workshop for States parties in the SADC region,
I would firstly like to extend our gratitude to the government of the
Netherlands that kindly provided the funds to make this workshop possible.
Secondly, I want to express a special word of welcome and appreciation to
the delegation from Angola. Angola is not a State party to the CWC but the
government of Angola agreed to send a delegation to attend the workshop as
observers. We especially appreciate your presence here, as we are of the view
that you should be kept informed of the discussions and developments in our
region pertaining to the important subject of chemical weapons.
This workshop offers States parties to the CWC the opportunity to discuss
matters related to the implementation of the convention amongst each other and
to benefit not only from the knowledge existing in the region in this regard,
but also from the knowledge of the experts from the technical secretariat of
the OPCW that are present here tonight.
The workshop will also look at ways in which States parties to the CWC in
this region can co-operate in matters pertaining to the implementation of the
convention to our mutual benefit and to promote the objectives of the
convention.
I wish to thank all of the delegates for taking the time off from your busy
schedules to travel to South Africa and to focus on matters related to the CWC.
I wish you every success in your discussions and assure you that I will be
looking forward to being informed of the outcome of the Workshop with great
interest.
I thank you!
Address by HE Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter DG of the Organisation for the
Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
10 July 2007
Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen
It is a great pleasure for me to be in South Africa, a country whose active
advocacy of disarmament and non-proliferation bears strong moral authority due
to its own sterling example of voluntary and unilateral disarmament. Its voice
in the relevant international forums is highly respected and its contribution
rightly valued.
The OPCW is no exception, where a recent example of South Africa's
contribution to the work of the organisation was the outstanding stewardship
provided by Ambassador Hlengiwe Buhle Mkhize as the last Chairperson of the
Executive Council.
Hosting this sub-regional workshop for States parties in the SADC region is
yet another manifestation of South Africa's commitment to the goals and
objectives of the CWC and I wish to express my deep gratitude for all this
support.
Here I would also like to acknowledge the generous financial contribution
for this workshop by the government of the Netherlands.
Through its untiring efforts in support of the work of the OPCW, the
Netherlands has proved to be a truly worthy host to the organisation.
Year 2007 is a special year for the OPCW as it completed the first 10 years
of its establishment and a decade of operation of the CWC. Our Member States
have held commemorative events and sent special messages of encouragement and
support. Indeed there is much for us, the States parties and the organisation
to be proud of while not losing sight of the tasks and challenges that lie
ahead.
One of our outstanding achievements is the strength of our membership. In
the first 10 years after its entry into force, the convention has attracted the
adherence of 182 countries. Forty eight of them are from Africa. No other
disarmament treaty shows an equivalent rapid growth. I recently had the
pleasure of meeting in Algiers representatives from Angola, Congo and
Guinea-Bissau who all informed that they were taking the steps necessary for
joining the convention. This is welcome news. I also would like to thank the
representatives of Angola for their participation in this workshop.
Despite the priority that many African states understandably attach to their
socio-economic development, by joining the convention in such large numbers
they have demonstrated a clear commitment to its objectives and to the
promotion of international peace and security.
They are also making endeavours for effective domestic implementation of the
convention that is so crucial to fully derive its security benefits.
Such sincerity of purpose deserves to be commended and supported. I for one
am deeply appreciative of Africa's dedication to the aims and objectives of the
CWC and remain strongly committed to enhancing OPCWs co-operation with African
States.
I am aware of the importance Africa attaches to the international
co-operation and assistance programmes of the OPCW. We have consciously
promoted the widest participation of African countries and sponsored a large
number of qualified African participants in such programmes.
I would like to mention in particular the impending new programme which
would seek to further enhance OPCWs co-operation with African States. Initiated
recently under my direction, we have made good progress in what would be a
venture unique to Africa. This project is currently being discussed with the
African group and takes fully into account its laudable desire to reinforce the
efforts towards universality and full implementation of the convention in the
region.
Ambassador Mkhize, as the co-ordinator of the African group has informed me
that preliminary consultations have already been held and that this programme
would be refined through further consultations so as to respond adequately to
the needs and requirements of the African countries. The programme can commence
even as States parties consider the matter of establishing an OPCW Office in
Africa.
Since the programme will be funded out of the regular OPCW budget from a
practical stand point it will seek to build on existing activities, albeit in a
more structured way. For any activities that might require additional
financing, we shall be counting on voluntary contributions. It is encouraging
to note that a number of States parties have already expressed their
willingness to provide funds for activities in Africa.
The programme is based on a number of important considerations. Our starting
point is the recognition of Africa's importance in the work of the organisation
and the eventual success of the convention. With the achievement of near
universal acceptance of the CWC in Africa, it is logical to pay special
attention to ensure its full and effective implementation in domestic legal
orders. African States need to derive concrete benefits from the OPCW
international co-operation and assistance programmes. To this end, the
organisation will supplement and broaden the scope of its programmes aimed at
promoting the peaceful uses of chemistry and at enhancing national capacities
for the implementation of the convention. The programme will also aim to
promote greater synergies and cooperative relationships with relevant
institutions in Africa and will involve all relevant stakeholders in the
continent.
I am sure this workshop will also be able to generate additional ideas and
inputs that could be factored into this important programme.
Let me also mention that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed
between the African Union (AU) Commission and the OPCW last year also provides
a sound basis to promote greater interaction and exchanges with African
States.
Allow me now to say a few words about the importance of this workshop.
Both the Executive Council and the conference of States parties have
emphasised the need for effective domestic implementation of the convention by
all Member States. Only thus would the convention serve more fully its
fundamental objectives and purposes. The CWC is a unique disarmament instrument
in that it creates equal rights and obligations and deals comprehensively with
both disarmament as well as non-proliferation.
There is no doubt that chemical demilitarisation and elimination of the
existing stocks of chemical weapons is a key priority. The two major possessor
States, Russia and the United States (US) have already destroyed over 22% and
45% of their chemical weapons stockpiles respectively. Even as we speak,
Albania is on the verge of completing the destruction of its entire arsenal and
other possessor States are making steady progress and are expected to complete
destruction within the deadlines fixed for them.
I have stressed that deadlines for destruction as contained in the
convention or as established by the decision making bodies must be respected by
all possessor states. The major possessors have assured the OPCW of their
sincerity and commitment to fulfil their obligations and I am confident that
they would spare no efforts towards that end.
At the same time, all States parties have an obligation to demonstrate
concrete progress in implementing the non-proliferation stipulations of the
convention that includes the enactment of appropriate laws and ensuring that
the relevant administrative authorities are empowered to implement and enforce
those laws.
Effective national implementation implies leaving no loopholes in domestic
legal systems that might compromise full compliance with the provisions of the
convention including enacting penal legislation with respect to prohibited
activities, improving border controls as well as introducing appropriate
industry regulations.
The litmus test for effective implementation is the ability of each Member
State to detect, pursue and prosecute a breach of the convention by its
nationals or within its jurisdiction.
At the same time, implementing the legal obligations of the convention will
also enable all States parties to contribute to the global counter-terrorism
struggle.
The recent incidents in Iraq involving the use of chlorine, underscore the
reality of the new threats faced by the international community and the need
for all of us to deal with them in an effective manner.
These attacks once again remind us to review and establish within our
domestic jurisdictions effective monitoring mechanisms and controls over the
trade, manufacturing and sale of toxic chemicals that in the hands of criminals
or terrorists could lead to devastating consequences.
A State party to the convention is in an advantageous position in the
context of implementation of the UN Security Council's non-proliferation
efforts under Resolution 1540. This resolution imposes an obligation on all UN
Member States to adopt a series of concrete legal and administrative measures
to prevent non-State actors from gaining access to weapons of mass destruction
which as regards chemical weapons are equivalent to the obligations enshrined
in the convention.
With its extensive legal definitions and the provisions establishing a legal
mechanism to prevent and repress unlawful access to chemical weapons and toxic
chemicals by persons, groups and other entities, the convention represents a
necessary and effective complement to the obligations set out in the council's
resolution. Full implementation of the legislative measures prescribed in the
convention helps to ensure that any violators of the convention can be
prosecuted and punished, that declarable activities are reported and transfers
of toxic chemicals and precursors are properly monitored and that transfer
prohibitions required under the convention are enforced.
Member States of the OPCW are uniquely placed to benefit from the programmes
of the organisation that are designed to assist them to fulfil their national
implementation obligations. And by doing so they can substantially improve
their reports to the UN 1540 Committee.
Since the adoption of the plan of action regarding the implementation of
Article VII obligations by the conference of the States parties at its eighth
session in October 2003, the technical secretariat with active support from
Member States has undertaken an unprecedented effort in terms of the breadth
and depth of its programmes to support those Member States requesting
assistance in fulfilling their Article VII obligations, especially in
Africa.
The decision adopted at the 10th session of the conference of the States
parties to continue follow up to the Article VII plan of action unequivocally
endorsed the secretariat's efforts to provide support through a series of
assistance efforts, such as sensitization of permanent missions to the OPCW,
bilateral technical assistance visits, sub-regional workshops focused on
Article VII issues and thematic workshops designed to provide practical
solutions for other implementation issues.
Since 1997, over 3 000 government officials have received training in the
establishment and operation of an effective national authority charged with
enforcing the chemical weapons ban at national level. To date, 253 legislative
drafts have been proposed or commented on by OPCW experts and around 7 000
"implementers" of the CWC have benefited from more than 500 activities
organised or sponsored by the OPCW.
The organisation has also promoted a number of projects in the area of
international cooperation and assistance with a view to enhance Member States'
capacity in the area of peaceful uses of chemistry and their preparedness
should they be subjected to a threat or an actual use of chemical weapons. A
good number of African States has benefited from these programmes, as Mrs
Kalimi Mugambi Mworia the Director of the International Co-operation and
Assistance Division of the OPCW, will explain in further details during this
workshop.
Over the next two days you will have the opportunity to share experiences
with other SADC States parties and will also be able to identify the challenges
encountered in national implementation. It is most encouraging to note that all
States parties from the sub-region are contributing presentations. This
workshop is an excellent example of practical and realistic efforts to progress
in a key area of the convention through intensive and focussed discussions,
identification of lessons learned and possible ways forward with a view to
rendering the chemical weapons ban effective and lasting.
I believe that sub-regional meetings, such as this one, foster a sense of
common purpose as well as a sense of ownership. Such events have become crucial
in our common efforts to make the convention a bulwark against the use or
threat of chemical weapons.
Co-operation within the African continent is taking place at various levels
and I would like to thank in particular the government of South Africa for its
efforts to provide assistance to other States parties in Africa.
Such support complements the secretariat's own efforts at providing
assistance through the regular programme and budget, as well as through other
generous contributions such as the funds provided by the European Union (EU)
under its joint action with the OPCW. The results of such collaborative
endeavours are slowly but surely beginning to bear fruit.
It is our common effort to achieve the highest possible degree of compliance
with the provisions of the convention in terms of national legislation and
internal controls.
Let me conclude by saying that the CWC represents an outstanding example of
our collective resolve to provide an enduring basis to peace and security. It
translates the ethical imperative of preventing poison as a means of warfare or
terror, into a binding moral and legal commitment. It is an unprecedented
multilateral disarmament instrument which we must work together to uphold and
to promote.
I would encourage all participants to actively take part in the proceedings
of the workshop and would hope that you will have productive and fruitful
interaction and discussions.
I wish this workshop every success.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
10 July 2007
Source: SAPA
