The Organization is currently facing a crucial test – whether it can withstand the machinations of a powerful member to gain control of its operations. Mr. Bustani gives every indication that he is the very type of person needed to demonstrate that the OPCW can operate as a truly multilateral body. If he were to be dismissed or persuaded to resign, the Organization's multilateral element would be gone in all but name. It would soon get the reputation of being the hand-maiden of the US.
With the US in control, it can be expected that the Organization’s activities would be seriously curtailed. In recent years, the US has insisted that the budget of the Organization be curtailed to the point where a significant percentage of the inspections called for in the Convention cannot be performed.[4] Furthermore, in the discussions relating to the Protocol for the BWC, the US made it clear it could see no need for any inspections that would be performed under the Protocol by an international organization. When asked recently during a press briefing whether the US had the same view of inspections under the CWC, the US representative refused to answer the question. [5] With inspections curtailed, the effectiveness of the OPCW can be foreseen as being significantly weakened.
The OPCW is the most advanced organization of its type operating in the field of disarmament. It is truly a trailblazer for similar organizations having a mandate to monitor compliance with disarmament treaties. The world is looking to the OPCW to demonstrate that treaties, once signed, can be implemented effectively, uniformly and impartially. To allow the OPCW to fall under the control of the US would be a serious blow not only to the CWC but also to the future of disarmament generally.
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[1] Article 8, paragraph 40
[2] Jean-Nicolas Gilliquet: letter dated 11 April 2002 – to be seen on the “CBW Discussion Forum” operated by SIPRI: cbw-sipri@sipri.se
[3] Amy Smithson “The Failing Inspector”, New York Times, 8th April 2002
[4] Douglas Scott “OPCW lacks Funds for Inspections”: The Markland Group Newsletter No. 16-www.hwcn.org/link/mkg/issue_no._16.html
[5] John R Bolton in a press conference at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, 19th November 2001.
The Markland Group
For the Integrity of Disarmament Treaties
203-150 Wilson Street W.
Ancaster, Ontario, Canada
L9G 4E7
Tel: (905) 648-3306
Fax: (905) 648-2563
e-mail: marklandgroup@hwcn.org
web site: http://www.hwcn.org/link/mkg
With the US in control, it can be expected that the Organization’s activities would be seriously curtailed. In recent years, the US has insisted that the budget of the Organization be curtailed to the point where a significant percentage of the inspections called for in the Convention cannot be performed.[4] Furthermore, in the discussions relating to the Protocol for the BWC, the US made it clear it could see no need for any inspections that would be performed under the Protocol by an international organization. When asked recently during a press briefing whether the US had the same view of inspections under the CWC, the US representative refused to answer the question. [5] With inspections curtailed, the effectiveness of the OPCW can be foreseen as being significantly weakened.
The OPCW is the most advanced organization of its type operating in the field of disarmament. It is truly a trailblazer for similar organizations having a mandate to monitor compliance with disarmament treaties. The world is looking to the OPCW to demonstrate that treaties, once signed, can be implemented effectively, uniformly and impartially. To allow the OPCW to fall under the control of the US would be a serious blow not only to the CWC but also to the future of disarmament generally.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] Article 8, paragraph 40
[2] Jean-Nicolas Gilliquet: letter dated 11 April 2002 – to be seen on the “CBW Discussion Forum” operated by SIPRI: cbw-sipri@sipri.se
[3] Amy Smithson “The Failing Inspector”, New York Times, 8th April 2002
[4] Douglas Scott “OPCW lacks Funds for Inspections”: The Markland Group Newsletter No. 16-www.hwcn.org/link/mkg/issue_no._16.html
[5] John R Bolton in a press conference at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, 19th November 2001.
The Markland Group
For the Integrity of Disarmament Treaties
203-150 Wilson Street W.
Ancaster, Ontario, Canada
L9G 4E7
Tel: (905) 648-3306
Fax: (905) 648-2563
e-mail: marklandgroup@hwcn.org
web site: http://www.hwcn.org/link/mkg