Elimination of chemical weapons: is agreement in sight
During the past year, negotiators laboring under the auspices of the little publicized 40-nation Conference on Disarmament (CD) in Geneva have succeeded in resolving or narrowing differences on many of the military-technical issues which but a short time ago seemed to present insuperable obstacles to the conclusion of a world-wide convention. Significant strides have been made in elaborating a rolling text, that is, the text of an agreement that from session to session is being expanded, refined, and improved upon. As a consequence of the development of supertoxic chemical agents and improved means of delivery, there is heightened concern about the chemical warfare (CW) threat in future conflicts. The existence of a major Soviet CW capability is of particular concern to the population of Western Europe, but the relative ease and modest cost of developing a chemical-warfare capability has widened the scope of the threat to world-wide dimensions. Reportedly at least 15 countries now possess these weapons of mass destruction. Most informed observers believe completion of a convention, as now being negotiated, would take on the order of two years, and would be something of a minor miracle. Still, the accomplishments of the past year make a world-wide ban on chemical weapons look a good deal less like an impossible dream.
- OSTI ID:
- 6811188
- Journal Information:
- Arms Control Today; (United States), Journal Name: Arms Control Today; (United States) Vol. 18:3; ISSN ACOTE
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
290000 -- Energy Planning & Policy
350100* -- Arms Control-- Policy
Negotiations
& Legislation-- (1987-)
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
AGREEMENTS
ARMS CONTROL
CHEMICAL WARFARE
CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
MEETINGS
TREATIES
WARFARE
WEAPONS