27 March 2000

Text: Joint Statement on Biological Weapons Convention 25th Anniversary

The three depositary states to the Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC) -- the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom -- issued a joint statement March 27 marking the 25th anniversary of the convention's entry into force.

The BWC serves to prevent countries from developing, producing, stockpiling or obtaining the means to employ bacteriological, biological, or toxin weapons as a means of warfare, and the joint statement reaffirmed the depositary's belief in its continuing relevance and importance.

They noted that 143 states have now acceded to the BWC, and they called on others to do so without delay, "so the prohibitions on possession and development of biological weapons become even more universal."

Following is the text of the joint statement, as issued in Washington by the Department of State:

U.S. Department of State
Office of the Spokesman
March 27, 2000
Statement by James B. Foley, Deputy Spokesman
TEXT OF JOINT STATEMENT BY THE DEPOSITARY STATES ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION

On the twenty-fifth anniversary of the entry into force of the Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC), the three Depositary States, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America, reaffirm their belief in the continuing relevance and importance of the Convention. As we start a new century, the principles and objectives of the Convention are an important international norm serving to prevent any country from developing, producing, stockpiling or obtaining the means to employ bacteriological, biological or toxin weapons as a means of warfare. As such, the Convention remains one of the key elements of international security and stability.

At its inception, the Convention was a watershed international document, the first formal multilateral agreement to foreswear an entire class of weapons of mass destruction. Twenty-five years later, 143 States have acceded to it, a remarkable endorsement of the principles which it encompasses, and of the very important role it plays in the web of non-proliferation and arms control treaties. We, as the Depositaries, take this opportunity to call on those states which have not yet ratified or acceded to the BWC to do so without delay, so that the prohibitions on possession and development of biological weapons become even more universal.

The representatives of many States Parties are now engaged in work to strengthen the Convention. The aim is a Protocol that will create a regime to enhance confidence in compliance with the fundamental objectives of the Convention. This effort will bring the Convention into better alignment with the principles of other arms control agreements. As the terms of the mandate given to the Ad Hoc Group make clear, the objective is "to consider appropriate measures, including possible verification measures ... to be included, as appropriate, in a legally binding instrument." Successful achievement of an effective Protocol within the agreed timeframe must be the target of all States Parties. We pledge our own efforts to achieving this goal, and call upon other States Parties to do likewise, and to accede to the Protocol once it is agreed.

BWC Depositary Statement for Release on Monday, March 27, 2000 in Washington (8am), London (2pm), Geneva (3pm to BWC Ad Hoc Group), Moscow (5pm)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: usinfo.state.gov)