OPCW to inspect Libya on chemical weapons
PLA Daily 2004-02-03
BRUSSELS, Feb. 2 (Xinhuanet) -- The Hague-based Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said Monday its expert team will inspect Libya starting on Feb. 5, the day when the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) will enter into force for the formerly hard-line country on chemical weapons.
Starting from Feb. 2, the OPCW's international inspectors will be verifying on-site Libya's compliance with the CWC's disarmamentand non-proliferation obligations.
"In response to the Libyan Government's request for technical support, an OPCW team of experts will be working closely with Libyan officials to ensure the effective and comprehensive implementation of the chemical weapons ban," said the OPCW.
The team is to verify Libya's initial declaration of any chemical weapons, chemical weapons-related activities and any industrial activities or sites.
It will inactivate and subsequently eliminate any chemical weapons production capacity of Libya, secure any chemical weapons prior to their destruction and destroy any chemical weapons of Libya.
Upon entering into force of the CWC, Libya has to establish a national authority to facilitate the inspections and draft and enact national legislation to implement the CWC.
OPCW Director-General Rogelio Pfirter highly commended Libya's entry into the CWC.
"The OPCW stands ready to provide any assistance and support necessary to ensure that the chemical weapons ban is fully implemented in Libya and globally," said the director-general.
Last December, Libya announced its renunciation of all weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons. Subsequently, on Jan. 6, the Libyan Government deposited its instrument of accession to the CWC. As foreseen by the CWC, thirty days later, on 5 February 2004, the CWC will enter into force for Libya.
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