Russian CW Destructions Lags, OPCW Chief Says

The head of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons expressed concerns Wednesday about the pace of chemical weapons disposal in Russia, the Associated Press reported yesterday (see GSN, Jan. 13, 2004).

“The degree of progress has been considerably less” in Russia than it has been in the United States, said OPCW Director General Rogelio Pfirter, noting that Russia has the largest chemical weapon stockpile in the world.

“We have no doubt about the political commitment of the government. But, I think Russia will be the first one to agree with us that much more work would be desirable,” Pfirter said in a speech in Kuala Lumpur. He added that he was confident Russia would meet the 2012 Chemical Weapons Convention deadline to destroy its stockpile.

Pfirter said he expects the new Iraqi government to sign the treaty and says Cambodia has expressed interest.

Myanmar has been adverse to joining the treaty, and North Korea was “reluctant to participate in treaties or organizations that look for transparency and restraint,” Pfirter said (Associated Press/Khaleej Times, May 19).

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