ARMS CONTROL - CHEMICAL WEAPONS

"We reiterate the importance we attach to the entry into force of the Convention on Chemical Weapons. We will continue to work hard to implement the Convention on Prohibition of Biological and Toxin Weapons, including the establishment of an effective verification mechanism."

Grade: +1

Since joining the Biological Weapons Convention in 1987, France has sought to provide the Convention with the verification mechanism it lacks. At France's initiative, several studies have been conducted on improving the verification means of the Convention. During the period of November 25 – December 6, 1996, France attended the Fourth Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention. France supported the final declaration released at the conclusion of the conference, addressing the need for effective verification to reinforce the Convention.