Nonproliferation: Delays in Implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention Raise Concerns About Proliferation
Abstract
The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) bans chemical weapons and requires their destruction by 2007, with possible extensions to 2012. The CWC also seeks to reduce the proliferation of these weapons by requiring member states to adopt comprehensive national laws to criminalize CWC-prohibited activities. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) monitors the destruction of chemical weapons and inspects declared commercial facilities in member states. GAO was asked to review (1) member states efforts to meet key convention requirements, (2) OPCWs efforts in conducting inspections to ensure compliance with the convention, and (3) Russias efforts to destroy its chemical weapons stockpile. Agency Comments: The Departments of State and Defense commented that our report is not balanced because it does not provide more examples of successful CWC implementation. We believe the CWC has made important contributions to nonproliferation and further clarified this point in this report. State and Defense also expressed concern that we included a policy option to condition future U.S. aid on development of a credible Russian chemical weapons destruction plan. However, we provide several policy options, including increasing aid to Russia.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- AD1106063
Entities
People
- Joseph A. Christoff
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office