Iran Blasts Israel for Defying Chemical Weapons Disarmament

“Israel has no excuse to refrain from joining the Chemical Weapons Convention,” Araqchi said, addressing the 14th meeting of the CWC Asian member-states in Tehran on Monday.

The Iranian deputy foreign minister underlined that Israel is a serious threat to the region and international peace and security, especially because it shrugs off joining disarmament mechanisms and non-proliferation treaties.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran as a responsible and committed member of this international convention has resolutely decided to join the international disarmament treaties, especially those related to the weapons of mass destruction,” Araqchi added.

The 14th meeting of the National Authorities of Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in Asia kicked off in Tehran on Monday.

Representatives from 25 Asian countries are attending the 3-day meeting.

Following the arrangements made between Iran’s Secretariat of National Authority of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the 14th meeting of National Authorities of State Parties in Asia is being held in Tehran from 23 to 25 May 2016.

This regional meeting of National Authorities hosted by Iran aims to consolidate the country’s active role in the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and its successful run is expected to promote Iran’s position among other state parties to the Convention.

54 representatives from 25 Asian countries are participating in the meeting where important issues in the national implementation of the CWC will be discussed.