The Director-General briefed the Mayor on his recent visit to the Russian Federation and the Ukraine and expressed his belief that there were no major political obstacles to the Russian Federation ratifying the Convention before the end of the year. Mr Bustani also expressed the hope that ratification of the Convention by the Russian Federation would encourage other states which had completed all domestic preparations to follow suit. The Director-General also stated that consequently, the number of OPCW inspectors may see an increase in order to meet the verification deadlines of the Convention.
The Director-General told Mayor Deetman that The Hague was an attractive international city because it provided a friendly welcoming atmosphere, not only for the employees of the OPCW but also their families. This was of particular importance to inspectors who were absent for long periods of time. The Mayor offered to assist the Organisation in any manner which would ensure that the staff of the OPCW felt more at home in The Hague.
PR19/1997