President Clinton and President Yeltsin discussed issues relating to
the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention at the Helsinki Summit today.
They stressed the commitment of both nations to full and effective accomplishment of
the tasks and objectives of the Convention, and reaffirmed their intention to take the
necessary steps to expedite ratification.
President Yeltsin submitted the Chemical
Weapons Convention to the Russian Parliament for ratification March 17. The Russian
Foreign Ministry stated, “This move of the president confirms our adherence to the
Convention, which we have repeatedly stated, and Russia’s intention to be among its
participants.... The Government of Russia will
From the Joint Statement:
The Presidents reaffirmed their intention to take the steps necessary to expedite
ratification in each of the two countries. President Clinton expressed his determination
that the United States be a party when the Convention enters into force in April of this
year, and is strongly urging prompt Senate action. President Yeltsin noted that the
Convention had been submitted to the Duma with his strong recommendation for prompt
ratification. |
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work very actively with the parliament to ensure an early
ratification of the Convention.”
As the clock ticks on the CWC deadline of April 29, Russia’s action follows other
ratification efforts worldwide, including those in China. In January 1997, the Chinese
parliament approved the CWC.
To date, 161 countries have signed the CWC, demonstrating the overwhelming
international support for the Convention. Of the approximately 20 countries believed to
have or to be seeking a chemical weapons program, more than two-thirds already have
signed the CWC.
Seventy countries have now ratified the Convention, including almost all of our NATO
allies, and key industrial nations with chemical industries of their own such as Japan.
United States leadership remains key in ensuring the viability of this agreement.
As the European Union recently stated in a letter to President Clinton, “The EU considers
it of great importance that the United States be among the original States Parties to the
Convention.... Timely ratification by the United States is crucial for the credibility
and effectiveness of the Convention.... It will also be a major incentive for many other
states, most notably the Russian Federation, to ratify the Convention.” |
