|
||||||||||||||||
As prepared for delivery Statement by Mr. Chairman, The United States attaches great importance to the intersessional work program. Review conferences come but once every five years and concerted and constructive use of the intervening period is essential to advancing the implementation and objectives of the Biological Weapons Convention. The 2003-2005 work program constituted a substantial chapter in that ongoing effort and contributed directly to the accomplishments of the Sixth Review Conference. As we embark upon a new intersessional work program, I wish to underscore the commitment of the United States to furthering progress on the specific subjects to be addressed and to the success of the overall intersessional effort. What do we need to accomplish at this meeting of States Parties? We have two principal tasks before us. First, we need to extract from the experts’ meeting in August key principles and concepts for promoting national implementation and regional cooperation. And we must consider how best to promote common understanding and effective action in these areas. Second, we need to review the progress we have made over the last year in universalizing participation in the Biological Weapons Convention and consider opportunities for building upon that progress. Achievements of the Meeting of Experts Let me begin with the first of our tasks – recognition of the achievements of the recent Meeting of Experts. With respect to national implementation, the Experts’ meeting in August effectively built upon and expanded the previous intersessional discussion in 2003. Many expert participants detailed the progress which their country had made in developing and enacting legislation to implement the provisions and obligations of the BWC. For many, national implementation remains an ongoing effort which could benefit from outside assistance. To this end, there was a recognition that States Parties in a position to do so should be encouraged to provide legal and technical assistance to others who request it both in drafting and enacting national legislation and in building the capacity to enforce and manage such laws and regulatory controls. During the experts meeting, the United States principally directed its contribution to the issue of national enforcement measures and institutional mechanisms. Enforcement is an essential aspect of national implementation for without it national legislation is a hollow deterrent to acquisition and use of biological weapons. And to be effective against biological threats, it was recognized that effective coordination among police and public health authorities must form the foundation of any enforcement effort. As we prepare the final report of our proceedings this week, it is important that we recognize the critical role for effective enforcement in the overall plan for national implementation. With respect to the second agenda item of the August meeting of experts, there was strong support for active participation in regional and sub-regional activities that promote implementation of the Convention. In this regard, it was recognized that relevant international organizations should be, whenever appropriate, included and engaged in such regional activities. With respect to national implementation, it was noted that regional cooperation can provide a useful vehicle for expert dialogue and assistance. It can also help States Parties in meeting their commitments under UN Security Council Resolution 1540, which is acknowledged to assist in achieving the obligations of the Convention. Promoting Universalization The United States would like to commend you, Mr. Chairman, and the Implementation Support Unit staff for undertaking such an efficient and thorough review of the circumstances underlying universality efforts and, in turn, being in direct contact with representatives of these countries. The seminars hosted by the EU under its Joint Action also appear to be working well in tandem. We are acutely aware, both nationally and as a Depositary, of the efforts and patience needed over time to bring progress on this critical front. It appears that these efforts will soon bear fruit as they did prior to the Experts Group meeting in August. We pledge to continue coordinating our bilateral efforts with those of the ISU and the many other States Parties involved in bringing their neighbors on board. The emphasis this year on how to implement our BWC obligations, as well as on how we can help others do so is important for universality activities. With the sound foundation you and others have set in the past six months, all Parties now have current information and a functioning clearinghouse in which to share our progress. Implementation Support Unit The United States would also like to commend the work the ISU has accomplished in the six months since its inception. ISU background papers, compilations and notifications have been carefully researched and arrive well in advance of our meetings to ensure the greatest use to Parties. We look forward to more of the same in the next four years. The United States, however, would like to note its deep concern over recommendations encouraging support for increased responsibilities for the Implementation Support Unit. While we wholeheartedly encourage voluntary contributions for the ISU to carry out its assigned tasks, such funding must not in any way undermine the strict delineation of the ISU operations that was the basis for the compromise text of the mandate. If regional groups or States Parties wish to provide additional funding, that funding should be used to help the three-person ISU to fulfill the tasks assigned and not seek to expand that mandate into new, unauthorized areas. Conclusion Mr. Chairman, in conclusion, I wish to emphasize that the objective of the group this week is focused and not open-ended. As I have underscored, we have two important tasks before us, and I believe that with your able leadership and the commitment of the States Parties present here we can advance the universality effort and successfully launch the intersessional work program as called for last year by the Sixth Review Conference. Let me assure you that the United States is fully committed to constructive dialogue this week and to a successful outcome to this Annual Meeting of States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. *** |