The Seventh Induction Workshop for diplomatic personnel involved in the work of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) was conducted on 12 September 2007 at the OPCW headquarters in The Hague. The Workshop was attended by 46 diplomats, representing 35 States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), as well as representatives from two States not Party.
In his opening remarks, the OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, noted that the objective of this Workshop was to provide an overview of the essential features of the CWC and of the Organisation’s main programme areas to diplomats who are new to the work of the Organisation. He emphasised that the OPCW’s mission was to secure a world free from the threat of chemical weapons, a concrete and positive contribution towards a more peaceful world.
Director-General Pfirter reiterated the key importance of the CWC’s multilateral character and the non-discriminatory application of its provisions to all States. He drew attention to the crucial role played by States Parties’ diplomatic missions or Permanent Representations to the OPCW both in their policy-making roles and to ensure effective coordination between their capitals and the Organization.
Director-General Pfirter recalled that in 2007 the tenth anniversary of the CWC’s entry into force and the OPCW’s establishment was being commemorated, while preparations were underway for the Second Conference to Review the Operation of the Convention, which will be held in The Hague in April 2008. He pointed out that these events provided a propitious opportunity to reflect on the mission of the Organisation, the achievements and the challenges ahead.
In this context, Director-General Pfirter stressed that the OPCW’s success story was made possible due to the constructive atmosphere of cooperation and collaboration at the Organization that was promoted by its Member States. In this spirit, he was looking forward to the continued cooperation and good offices of Permanent Representations and diplomatic missions with a view to fulfilling the mandate of the Organisation effectively and efficiently.
During the workshop, senior staff from the OPCW Technical Secretariat made presentations which provided information on the verification regime, status of implementation of the CWC, international cooperation and assistance, national implementation and the OPCW’s role in dealing with possible threats from chemical terrorism.
PR93 / 2007