Statement by the Department of Foreign Affairs on the Sub-Regional Workshop for States parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention in the Southern African Development Community Region: 9 to 11 July 2007

The South African Government and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) are jointly hosting a Workshop for States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Tshwane from 9 to 11 July 2007. 35 Participants from all SADC countries are attending the Workshop which is taking place at Kievitskroon outside Pretoria. The purpose of the Workshop is for SADC countries to exchange information on the implementation of the CWC and to interact with the Technical Secretariat of the OPCW in this regard.

A formal dinner was hosted by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Sue van der Merwe, on 9 July 2007, in honour of the visit by the Director-General of the OPCW, Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the CWC. The following are the statements made by Deputy Minister van der Merwe and Amb. Pfirter, Director-General of the OPCW in the context of the Workshop.

OPENING ADDRESS BY MS SUE VAN DER MERWE, DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON THE OCCASION OF THE SUB-REGIONAL WORKSHOP FOR STATES PARTIES TO THE CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION IN THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY REGION AND OF THE CELEBRATION OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE CONVENTION, KIEVITSKROON, 09 JULY 2007

Deputy Minister Thabethe
Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners
Distinguished Delegates and Guests
Ladies and Gentleman

I welcome all our guests to South Africa and express the hope that the warmth of the reception and of the discussions amongst friends and neighbours will compensate for the cold of the South African winter.

It is my privilege and honour to address you tonight on the occasion of the start of the sub-regional workshop to raise awareness about the Chemical Weapons Convention. We are honoured as a country to host this event, which aims not only to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), but also to launch discussions on the implementation of this Convention in the SADC Region.

This is a particularly important topic in a world that has become increasingly unsafe following the 11 September 2001 attacks on the United States of America. Those events have highlighted the threats to international peace and security posed by the potential of chemical weapons falling into the wrong hands. This heightened threat has resulted in a greater determination by some countries to pursue and impose their narrow national security interests internationally at the expense of broader development objectives. The "war on terror" or "the terror of war" and the siege mentality that has arisen out of the potential security threats posed by terrorists has led to countries digging in their heels and holding on to weapons of mass destruction under the guise of a deterrence against potential threats to their own security.

Yet, we are no closer to guaranteeing a more secure world today than we were when these weapons of mass destruction were in the hands of the superpowers only. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in 1998, former South African President, Mr. Nelson Mandela asked those who justify "these terrible and terrifying weapons of mass destruction - why do they need them anyway?" In reality, no rational answer can be advanced to explain in a satisfactory manner what, in the end, is the consequence of Cold War inertia and an attachment to the use of the threat of brute force to assert the primacy of some States over others."

South Africa sees non-proliferation within the context of a much broader and all encompassing development process, which is part of our foreign policy agenda. Towards this end we have committed ourselves to promoting and supporting the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, with the goal of international peace, stability and security, whilst at the same time also ensuring that control measures do not become means whereby developing countries are denied access to advanced technologies required for their own development. The challenge we are all faced with is to balance genuine security concerns with development objectives, within the context of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

It is therefore encouraging to note the unique role played by the CWC and the OPCW in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. No other process, institution or mechanism in this field has come close to realising, in a similar manner, the destruction and prohibition of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction. The CWC is currently the only multilateral instrument that is realising actual disarmament, subject to an effective system of verification, as well as setting specific deadlines whereby such destruction has to be completed.

Speaking at the Special Session of the OPCW Executive Council, on the 9th October 2000, the former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso argued that "the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons incorporates, in an exemplary manner, elements that are essential for international peace and security: disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, scientific and technological cooperation, as well as the legitimacy that is intrinsic to the rules established by multilateral diplomacy".

The OPCW has, amongst others, accomplished the verification of the destruction of more than 17.6 metric tons of chemical weapon agents (almost a quarter of the global stockpile of 71 metric tons) and is overseeing the destruction of 2.67 million chemical munitions and containers (representing 30% of the total number of 8.6 million chemical munitions and containers). Compliance with the legal provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is therefore a must for all of us.

We all have an obligation, not merely to comply for the sake of compliance, but to use the opportunities to be found in the CWC to create a more secure world in which our developmental objectives can be realised. We must therefore continue to encourage the fullest possible exchange of chemicals, equipment, scientific and technical information relating to the development and application of chemistry for peaceful purposes.

I trust that all of you have had the opportunity to view the exhibition commemorating the 10th Anniversary, which has kindly been provided by the OPCW. The exhibition constitutes not only a stark reminder of the scourge that this Convention is fighting, but is also a good indication of the extremely important work that we as States Parties are doing through the OPCW to rid the world of these horrific weapons.

I take this opportunity to call on all States Parties to the CWC who possess chemical weapons to actively continue with their destruction programmes and to ensure that all chemical weapons stockpiles are destroyed by the agreed deadlines.

South Africa supports the efforts of the OPCW to stop the spread of chemical weapons, especially in view of the rapidly growing global chemical industry. In particular South Africa supports the promotion of international co-operation in the peaceful uses of chemistry, with a particular focus on developing countries which are States Parties to the CWC.

It is our view, that, as we approach the 2nd Review Conference of the CWC in 2008 and the deadline for the destruction of all chemical weapons by 2012, States Parties will increasingly have to consider ways in which the Convention could contribute to the fostering of economic and technological development in the chemical industries of developing States Parties. It is important that we, as States Parties envisage a future for the Convention that is not only based on security-related issues, but also recognises in a more comprehensive manner, the interests of developing States Parties to the Convention.

Turning to the Sub-Regional Workshop for States Parties in the SADC Region, I would firstly like to extend our gratitude to the Government of the Netherlands that kindly provided the funds to make this Workshop possible.

Secondly, I want to express a special word of welcome and appreciation to the delegation from Angola. Angola is not a State Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention, but the Government of Angola agreed to send a delegation to attend the Workshop as observers. We especially appreciate your presence here, as we are of the view that you should be kept informed of the discussions and developments in our Region pertaining to the important subject of chemical weapons.

This Workshop offers States Parties to the CWC the opportunity to discuss matters related to the implementation of the Convention amongst each other and to benefit not only from the knowledge existing in the Region in this regard, but also from the knowledge of the experts from the Technical Secretariat of the OPCW that are present here tonight.

The Workshop will also look at ways in which States Parties to the CWC in this Region can co-operate in matters pertaining to the implementation of the Convention to our mutual benefit and to promote the objectives of the Convention.

I wish to thank all of the delegates for taking the time off from your busy schedules to travel to South Africa and to focus on matters related to the CWC. I wish you every success in your discussions and assure you that I will be looking forward to being informed of the outcome of the Workshop with great interest.

I thank you.

ADDRESS BY H.E. AMBASSADOR ROGELIO PFIRTERDIRECTOR-GENERAL
OF THE ORGANISATION FOR THE PROHIBITION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS

Tshwane, South Africa

10 July 2007
Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for me to be in South Africa - a country whose active advocacy of disarmament and non-proliferation bears strong moral authority due to its own sterling example of voluntary and unilateral disarmament. Its voice in the relevant international forums is highly respected and its contribution rightly valued.

The OPCW is no exception, where a recent example of South Africa's contribution to the work of the Organization was the outstanding stewardship provided by H.E. Ambassador Hlengiwe Buhle Mkhize as the last Chairperson of the Executive Council.

Hosting this subregional workshop for States Parties in the Southern African Development Community Region is yet another manifestation of South Africa's commitment to the goals and objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and I wish to express my deep gratitude for all this support.

Here I would also like to acknowledge the generous financial contribution for this workshop by the Government of the Netherlands. Through its untiring efforts in support of the work of the OPCW, The Netherlands has proved to be a truly worthy host to the Organisation.

2007 is a special year for the OPCW as it completed the first 10 years of its establishment and a decade of operation of the CWC. Our Member States have held commemorative events and sent special messages of encouragement and support. Indeed there is much for us - the States Parties and the Organisation- to be proud of while not losing sight of the tasks and challenges that lie ahead.

One of our outstanding achievements is the strength of our membership. In the first ten years after its entry into force, the Convention has attracted the adherence of 182 countries. 48 of them are from Africa. No other disarmament Treaty shows an equivalent rapid growth. I recently had the pleasure of meeting, in Algiers, representatives from Angola, Congo and Guinea-Bissau who all informed that they were taking the steps necessary for joining the Convention. This is welcome news. I also would like to thank the representatives of Angola for their participation in this workshop.

Despite the priority that many African states understandably attach to their socio-economic development; by joining the Convention in such large numbers, they have demonstrated a clear commitment to its objectives and to the promotion of international peace and security. They are also making endeavours for effective domestic implementation of the Convention that is so crucial to fully derive its security benefits.

Such sincerity of purpose deserves to be commended and supported. I for one am deeply appreciative of Africa's dedication to the aims and objectives of the CWC and remain strongly committed to enhancing OPCW's cooperation with African states.

I am aware of the importance Africa attaches to the international cooperation and assistance programmes of the OPCW. We have consciously promoted the widest participation of African countries and sponsored a large number of qualified African participants in such programmes.

I would like to mention in particular the impending new programme which would seek to further enhance OPCW's cooperation with African states. Initiated recently under my direction, we have made good progress in what would be a venture unique to Africa. This project is currently being discussed with the African Group and takes fully into account its laudable desire to reinforce the efforts towards universality and full implementation of the Convention in the region.

Ambassador Mkhize, as the coordinator of the African Group has informed me that preliminary consultations have already been held and that this programme would be refined through further consultations so as to respond adequately to the needs and requirements of the African countries. The programme can commence even as States Parties consider the matter of establishing an OPCW Office in Africa.

Since the programme will be funded out of the regular OPCW budget, from a practical stand-point it will seek to build on existing activities, albeit in a more structured way. For any activities that might require additional financing, we shall be counting on voluntary contributions. It is encouraging to note that a number of States Parties have already expressed their willingness to provide funds for activities in Africa.

The programme is based on a number of important considerations. Our starting point is the recognition of Africa's importance in the work of the Organisation and the eventual success of the Convention. With the achievement of near universal acceptance of the CWC in Africa, it is logical to pay special attention to ensure its full and effective implementation in domestic legal orders. African States need to derive concrete benefits from the OPCW international cooperation and assistance programmes. To this end, the Organization will supplement and broaden the scope of its programmes aimed at promoting the peaceful uses of chemistry and at enhancing national capacities for the implementation of the Convention. The Programme will also aim to promote greater synergies and cooperative relationships with relevant institutions in Africa and will involve all relevant stakeholders in the continent.

I am sure this Workshop will also be able to generate additional ideas and inputs that could be factored into this important programme.

Let me also mention that the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the African Union Commission and the OPCW last year also provides a sound basis to promote greater interaction and exchanges with African States.

Allow me now to say a few words about the importance of this Workshop.

Both the Executive Council and the Conference of States Parties have emphasised the need for effective domestic implementation of the Convention by all Member States. Only thus would the Convention serve more fully its fundamental objectives and purposes. The CWC is a unique disarmament instrument in that it creates equal rights and obligations and deals comprehensively with both disarmament as well as non-proliferation.

There is no doubt that chemical demilitarisation and elimination of the existing stocks of chemical weapons is a key priority. The two major possessor States, Russia and the United States have already destroyed over 22% and 45% of their chemical weapons stockpiles respectively. Even as we speak, Albania is on the verge of completing the destruction of its entire arsenal, and other possessor States are making steady progress and are expected to complete destruction within the deadlines fixed for them.

I have stressed that deadlines for destruction as contained in the Convention or as established by the decision making bodies must be respected by all possessor states. The major possessors have assured the OPCW of their sincerity and commitment to fulfil their obligations and I am confident that they would spare no efforts towards that end.

At the same time, all States Parties have an obligation to demonstrate concrete progress in implementing the non-proliferation stipulations of the Convention that includes the enactment of appropriate laws and ensuring that the relevant administrative authorities are empowered to implement and enforce those laws.

Effective national implementation implies leaving no loopholes in domestic legal systems that might compromise full compliance with the provisions of the Convention, including enacting penal legislation with respect to prohibited activities, improving border controls, as well as introducing appropriate industry regulations.

The litmus test for effective implementation is the ability of each Member State to detect, pursue and prosecute a breach of the Convention by its nationals or within its jurisdiction.

At the same time, implementing the legal obligations of the Convention will also enable all States Parties to contribute to the global counter-terrorism struggle.

The recent incidents in Iraq involving the use of chlorine, underscore the reality of the new threats faced by the international community and the need for all of us to deal with them in an effective manner.

These attacks once again remind us to review and establish within our domestic jurisdictions effective monitoring mechanisms and controls over the trade, manufacturing and sale of toxic chemicals that in the hands of criminals or terrorists could lead to devastating consequences.

A State Party to the Convention is in an advantageous position in the context of implementation of the United Nations Security Council's non-proliferation efforts under resolution 1540. This resolution imposes an obligation on all UN Member States to adopt a series of concrete legal and administrative measures to prevent non-State actors from gaining access to weapons of mass destruction, which, as regards chemical weapons, are equivalent to the obligations enshrined in the Convention.

With its extensive legal definitions and the provisions establishing a legal mechanism to prevent and repress unlawful access to chemical weapons and toxic chemicals by persons, groups and other entities, the Convention represents a necessary and effective complement to the obligations set out in the Council's resolution. Full implementation of the legislative measures prescribed in the Convention helps to ensure that any violators of the Convention can be prosecuted and punished, that declarable activities are reported and transfers of toxic chemicals and precursors are properly monitored, and that transfer prohibitions required under the Convention are enforced.

Member States of the OPCW are uniquely placed to benefit from the programmes of the Organisation that are designed to assist them to fulfil their national implementation obligations. And by doing so, they can substantially improve their reports to the UN 1540 Committee.

Since the adoption of the Plan of Action regarding the implementation of Article VII obligations by the Conference of the States Parties at its Eighth session in October 2003, the Technical Secretariat, with active support from Member States has undertaken an unprecedented effort in terms of the breadth and depth of its programmes to support those Member States requesting assistance in fulfilling their Article VII obligations, especially in Africa.

The decision adopted at the Tenth Session of the Conference of the States Parties to continue follow up to the Article VII plan of action unequivocally endorsed the Secretariat's efforts to provide support through a series of assistance efforts - such as sensitization of Permanent Missions to the OPCW, bilateral technical assistance visits, sub-regional workshops focused on Article VII issues, and thematic workshops designed to provide practical solutions for other implementation issues.

Since 1997, over 3,000 government officials have received training in the establishment and operation of an effective National Authority, charged with enforcing the chemical weapons ban at national level. To date, 253 legislative drafts have been proposed or commented on by OPCW experts, and around 7,000 "implementers" of the CWC have benefited from more than 500 activities organized or sponsored by the OPCW.

The Organization has also promoted a number of projects in the area of international cooperation and assistance with a view to enhance Member States' capacity in the area of peaceful uses of chemistry and their preparedness should they be subjected to a threat or an actual use of chemical weapons. A good number of African States has benefited from these programmes, as Mrs Kalimi Mugambi Mworia, the Director of the International Co-operation and Assistance Division of the OPCW, will explain in further details during this workshop.

Over the next two days you will have the opportunity to share experiences with other SADC States Parties and will also be able to identify the challenges encountered in national implementation. It is most encouraging to note that all States Parties from the sub-region are contributing presentations. This Workshop is an excellent example of practical and realistic efforts to progress in a key area of the Convention through intensive and focussed discussions, identification of lessons learned and possible ways forward with a view to rendering the chemical weapons ban effective and lasting.

I believe that sub-regional meetings, such as this one, foster a sense of common purpose as well as a sense of ownership. Such events have become crucial in our common efforts to make the Convention a bulwark against the use or threat of chemical weapons.

Cooperation within the African continent is taking place at various levels and I would like to thank in particular the government of South Africa for its efforts to provide assistance to other States Parties in Africa.

Such support complements the Secretariat's own efforts at providing assistance through the regular programme and budget, as well as through other generous contributions such as the funds provided by the European Union under its Joint Action with the OPCW. The results of such collaborative endeavours are slowly but surely beginning to bear fruit. It is our common effort to achieve the highest possible degree of compliance with the provisions of the Convention in terms of national legislation and internal controls.

Let me conclude by saying that the CWC represents an outstanding example of our collective resolve to provide an enduring basis to peace and security. It translates the ethical imperative of preventing poison as a means of warfare or terror, into a binding moral and legal commitment. It is an unprecedented multilateral disarmament instrument which we must work together to uphold and to promote.

I would encourage all participants to actively take part in the proceedings of the Workshop and would hope that you will have productive and fruitful interaction and discussions.

I wish this Workshop every success.