Menu
11/10/2013
OPCW Awarded Nobel Peace Prize
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2013 is to be awarded to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.
During World War One, chemical weapons were used to a considerable degree. The Geneva Convention of 1925 prohibited the use, but not the production or storage, of chemical weapons.
During World War Two, chemical means were employed in Hitler’s mass exterminations. Chemical weapons have subsequently been put to use on numerous occasions by both states and terrorists. In 1992-93 a convention was drawn up prohibiting also the production and storage of such weapons. It came into force in 1997. Since then the OPCW has, through inspections, destruction and by other means, sought the implementation of the convention. 189 states have acceded to the convention to date.
The conventions and the work of the OPCW have defined the use of chemical weapons as a taboo under international law. Recent events in Syria, where chemical weapons have again been put to use, have underlined the need to enhance the efforts to do away with such weapons. Some states are still not members of the OPCW. Certain states have not observed the deadline, which was April 2012, for destroying their chemical weapons. This applies especially to the USA and Russia.
(CD/IT)
During World War One, chemical weapons were used to a considerable degree. The Geneva Convention of 1925 prohibited the use, but not the production or storage, of chemical weapons.
During World War Two, chemical means were employed in Hitler’s mass exterminations. Chemical weapons have subsequently been put to use on numerous occasions by both states and terrorists. In 1992-93 a convention was drawn up prohibiting also the production and storage of such weapons. It came into force in 1997. Since then the OPCW has, through inspections, destruction and by other means, sought the implementation of the convention. 189 states have acceded to the convention to date.
The conventions and the work of the OPCW have defined the use of chemical weapons as a taboo under international law. Recent events in Syria, where chemical weapons have again been put to use, have underlined the need to enhance the efforts to do away with such weapons. Some states are still not members of the OPCW. Certain states have not observed the deadline, which was April 2012, for destroying their chemical weapons. This applies especially to the USA and Russia.
(CD/IT)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 February 2004
Libya adopts Chemical Weapons Convention
Weapons inspectors have met with the Libyan government today as the Chemical Weapons Convention, which the country adopted last month, comes into force. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) were in Tripoli today after Libya became the 159th State to join the convention.
Libya adopts Chemical Weapons Convention
Weapons inspectors have met with the Libyan government today as the Chemical Weapons Convention, which the country adopted last month, comes into force. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) were in Tripoli today after Libya became the 159th State to join the convention.
16 October 2003
Czechs assist MoD in destroying Russian chemical weaponry
The UK has welcomed the contribution of the Czech Republic to a Ministry of Defence-led project helping Russia to destroy its chemical weapons stocks. The Czech Republic will provide around £45,000 towards construction of an electricity substation that will support the chemical weapons (CW) destruction facility at Shchuch'ye, in the Urals.
Czechs assist MoD in destroying Russian chemical weaponry
The UK has welcomed the contribution of the Czech Republic to a Ministry of Defence-led project helping Russia to destroy its chemical weapons stocks. The Czech Republic will provide around £45,000 towards construction of an electricity substation that will support the chemical weapons (CW) destruction facility at Shchuch'ye, in the Urals.
24 November 2003
MoD assists in destroying Russia's chemical weapons
The UK and Canada have signed an agreement in Moscow this week on co-operation in destroying Russian chemical weapons stocks. Canada will provide about £15 million to a UK-managed project to construct an 18km railway that will transport chemical weapons (CW) munitions from their storage depot to the destruction facility at Shchuch'ye, in the Urals.
MoD assists in destroying Russia's chemical weapons
The UK and Canada have signed an agreement in Moscow this week on co-operation in destroying Russian chemical weapons stocks. Canada will provide about £15 million to a UK-managed project to construct an 18km railway that will transport chemical weapons (CW) munitions from their storage depot to the destruction facility at Shchuch'ye, in the Urals.
27 August 2013
No 10 Drawing Up Syrian Military Contingency Plan
Downing Street have announced they are drawing up contingency military plans in response to alleged chemical weapons use in Syria. Revealing the plan, No 10 stressed that any action would be lawful, proportionate and follow agreement with international allies. It has also been confirmed that Parliament will be recalled on Thursday.
No 10 Drawing Up Syrian Military Contingency Plan
Downing Street have announced they are drawing up contingency military plans in response to alleged chemical weapons use in Syria. Revealing the plan, No 10 stressed that any action would be lawful, proportionate and follow agreement with international allies. It has also been confirmed that Parliament will be recalled on Thursday.
09 March 2011
£4M For Nuclear Security Abroad
The UK will make a contribution of £4M to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Nuclear Security Fund for 2011-13. This will support work to enhance global nuclear security. The contribution was made at the IAEA’s Board of Governors meeting this week in Vienna.
£4M For Nuclear Security Abroad
The UK will make a contribution of £4M to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Nuclear Security Fund for 2011-13. This will support work to enhance global nuclear security. The contribution was made at the IAEA’s Board of Governors meeting this week in Vienna.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
