Countries Should Dismantle Chemical Weapons by 2012

Secretary of Iran’s National Committee for the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) stressed the need for those countries in possession of chemical weapons to dismantle their chemical arsenals by the year 2012. Dehghani made the remarks while addressing a meeting to mark the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) here in Tehran on Wednesday, where he briefed the audience about Iran’s measures in connection with the convention.

He further described CWC as a comprehensive and global convention for the dismantlement of a part of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), and said Iran has already played a significant role in the complete dismantlement of chemical weapons.

“During a set of relevant meetings, Iran urged the United States to dismantle its chemical arsenals by the year 2012,” the official added.

He also reminded that Iran’s chemical facilities have already undergone 15 rounds of inspections by international inspectors, including the latest inspection which he said took place last week.

Dehghani reminded that CWC strives to make countries give up chemical weapons and exclude such arsenals from their military doctrine.

Reiterating the grave responsibility of the convention, he said, “Given its bitter experience with its citizens who have been targeted by chemical weapons, Iran has played a serious and active role in the conclusion and implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.”