Statement by Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on Iraq’s Accession of the Chemical Weapons Convention

January 14, 2009
Japanese

On January 13 (Tue), Iraq deposited the instrument of accession of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) to the United Nations. Therefore, 30 days after the deposit, the CWC will enter into force for the country.
The Government of Japan greatly welcomes Iraq’s accession of the CWC, which is expected to contribute to confidence-building among Middle East countries, as a significant step toward advancing disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the international community.
Japan has continued supporting Iraq’s conclusion of the CWC through financial and technical contributions to prepare for Iraq’s accession of the CWC in cooperation with the Technical Secretariat of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the United States, the United Kingdom and others. Japan believes that its persistent diplomatic efforts contributed to Iraq’s deposit of the instrument of accession.
Japan will continue urging States not Parties to the CWC to immediately conclude the CWC and will continue to make efforts to further promote disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

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