Global Security Newswire

Libya’s chemical weapons program has 23 metric tons of mustard agent, one inactive production site and two storage facilities, according to an initial Libyan declaration described today by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (see GSN, March 4).

No filled chemical munitions have been found in Libya, said the agency, which oversees the Chemical Weapons Convention.

In addition to the declaration, Libyan officials submitted a plan for the destruction of their chemical weapons and related facilities, the OPCW said. The organization’s executive council will review the plan at its next session, scheduled to begin March 23.

In a brief statement, OPCW Executive Director Rogelio Pfirter praised the progress Libya has made in eliminating its chemical weapons program.

“By voluntarily submitting a full and accurate declaration that will be carefully scrutinized by all states parties, Libya is fully complying with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention. This is good for Libya, the region and the international community since it strengthens this multilateral disarmament regime and represents a tangible step towards the ultimate elimination of these weapons of mass destruction,” Pfirter said (OPCW release, March 5).