ROLE OF THE CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION IN COMBATING CHEMICAL TERRORISM

Abstract

The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is shortly characterised stressing its main principles, inter alia the General Purpose Criterion. Status of its implementation as of December 2004 shows the main data obligatory declared by already 167 States Parties and main achievements in destruction of Chemical Weapons (CW) stockpiles and destruction / conversion of CW production facilities and the verification efforts. The Organisation for the Prohibition of the Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is briefly presented, results of the 1st Review Conference and future problems of the CWC are analysed. Special emphasis is laid on threats and benefits of the scientific and technological development and potential misuse of toxic chemicals for terrorist purposes. Role of the CWC especially of respective national implementation measures in combating chemical terrorism is analysed stressing the OPCWs expertise including its developed system of assistance and protection under the CWC and enforcement by all countries of the CWCs requirement to make the development, production, stockpiling, transfers and use illegal for anyone. (CWPF), CW destruction, CWPF destruction & conversion, CW non- production, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), First Review Conference, Chemical terrorism .