Cuba welcomes the 20th anniversary of the "Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction" (Convention on Chemical Weapons), whose full, effective and non-discriminatory application is strongly committed.
Cuba was one of the original signatories states of this instrument and ratified it on 29th April, 1997, the date of its entry into force.
The destruction of all categories of chemical weapons provided for in the Conventioncorresponds to Cuba's firm and consistent position in favor of prohibition and total elimination of weapons of mass destruction.
After twenty years of intense work by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the results achieved confirm the strong will of the States Parties to fulfill their obligations under the Convention.
The work of the OPCW in the areas of verified destruction of chemical weapons, national implementation, international cooperation, assistance and protection has earned it the respect and recognition of the international community; which is the main reason to preserve the balance of these pillars in the ongoing discussions on the future priorities of the Organization.
Several objectives of the utmost importance remain to be achieved: the complete destruction of stockpiles of chemical weapons by the possessing States, as well as the elimination of unilateral sanctions and restrictions that limit and hinder, in contravention of the Convention, the wider peaceful exchange of substances, materials and equipment in the field of chemistry.
To celebrate the two decades of the Chemical Weapons Convention, a wide program of activities will be held in Cuba, among them the following: The Second National Workshop on Education and Outreach of Responsible Use of Chemicals, the Day of Protection against Chemical Weapons and the Central Commemorative Act for the 20th Anniversary of the Convention.
Further activities, including other events and seminars will take place during this year, organized by the National Authority for the implementation of the Convention, in coordination with other institutions of the country.
Havana, 24th April, 2017