Chemistry International
Vol. 24, No. 1
January 2002
IUPAC
Projects
Impact of Scientific
Developments on the Chemical Weapons Convention
A workshop
titled the Impact of Scientific Developments on the Chemical Weapons
Convention will be the focal point for the development of advice
by IUPAC to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
(OPCW). The workshop, to be held in Bergen, Norway, 1-3 July 2002, is
expected to bring together about 80-100 experts to discuss novel methods
of organic synthesis and chemical processing, new analytical chemistry
technology, and other areas relevant to the production and detection
of chemical weapons.
The Chemical
Weapons Convention (CWC) entered into force in 1997 and has been ratified
by 143 nations. This treaty prohibits the use of chemicals as weapons
of war and requires the destruction of existing stockpiles of such weapons.
This treaty is implemented by the OPCW, which is responsible for monitoring
the destruction of weapons, monitoring international transfers of chemicals
that are recognized as weapons or their immediate precursors, and inspecting
chemical production facilities in member countries.
The operation
of the CWC is to be reviewed at a conference of all Member States in
October 2003. In recognition of the many scientific developments since
the drafting of the treaty, OPCW has arranged with IUPAC to provide
advice on such topics as new methods of synthesis, changes in chemical
processing that could significantly affect the design and appearance
of chemical production facilities, new analytical methods (currently
available and on the horizon) that may facilitate OPCW inspections,
newer methods of destruction of chemical weapons, etc. In addition,
IUPAC will consider aspects that may be relevant to the prevention of
the use of chemical weapons by terrorists.
An International
Advisory Board, chaired by IUPAC Past-President Alan Hayes, with representation
from 17 countries, has been formed to aid the Program Committee in formulating
the program and obtaining the best international scientific input. Following
the workshop, proceedings will be published, and a report provided to
OPCW.
With
support from the U.S. National Academy of Sciences [ IUPAC's NAO in
the USA], IUPAC held a planning meeting at OPCW headquarters in The
Hague in July. In opening remarks, John Gee, Deputy Director-General
of OPCW, pointed out that " IUPAC, through its constituent national
chemical societies and science academies, is well placed to draw to
the attention of the OPCW, developments in scientific knowledge, understanding,
and methodology that have a direct bearing on the Convention. As a truly
independent international association with an indisputable scientific
reputation and a history of accomplishments in the furthering of chemistry
and chemical technology, your contribution to the CWC review process
will be of great value indeed."
Mr. Gee
went on to say, "Perhaps more than any other international legal instrument
in the field of international security and disarmament, the Chemical
Weapons Convention has strong scientific foundations. It
reaches into such activities as scientific research and development,
and the use of chemicals for peaceful purposes. The
Convention therefore needs to mirror accurately the capabilities of
chemistry, technology, and manufacturing. At the same time, governments
and the international community as a whole, need to be reassured that
new scientific developments are not going to undermine the prohibitions
in the Convention."
http://www.iupac.org/projects/2001/2001-057-1-020.html