The OPCW, with the assistance of a voluntary contribution from the Government of Qatar, conducted a training course for representatives of Asian National Authorities involved in fulfilling Article VI declaration requirements of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The course was held in Doha from 21-23 February 2012 and attended by more than 40 representatives from 19 States Parties in the region.*
The purpose of the two-day course was to facilitate the submission of accurate and timely Article VI declarations by National Authorities and to minimise errors in the declarations. The programme provided a step-by-step, hands-on training in preparing Article VI declarations and implementing the transfers provisions of the Convention, and served as a forum for sharing relevant experiences among the participating States Parties. The curriculum included practical and table-top exercises, as well as procedures for identifying declarable Article VI activities.
The course also addressed the role played by National Authorities in ensuring that transfers of scheduled chemicals take place within the scope of the Convention and in clarifying discrepancies that may arise in declarations on transfers. Participants expressed their appreciation to the Government and National Authority of Qatar for the excellent arrangements and for their generosity in sponsoring the course.
* Bahrain, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar (host country), Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Yemen