Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention Depositaries

Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention Depositaries Joint Statement on 30th Anniversary

Following is the text of a joint United States/United Kingdom/Russian Federation statement in support of the 30th anniversary, on March 26, of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention.

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On the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), the United States, United Kingdom and Russian Federation, as Depositary Governments, reaffirm their strong support for the Convention. We seek practical realization of all Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention obligations. Our Governments will continue to work to strengthen the Convention by participating fully in the current three-year work program, by encouraging its universality, and by pressing for full implementation of, and compliance with, the Convention by all its States Parties.

In particular, we stress the necessity of adoption by all States Parties of relevant penal legislation for violations of the Convention. The Sixth Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention Review Conference in 2006 will give all States Parties an opportunity to review steps taken to counter the biological weapons threat since the last Review Conference and to renew their commitment to the Convention and its full implementation, to their compliance, and to strengthening further the Convention.

END TEXT 2005/358 Released on March 28, 2005 Press Statement Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC March 28, 2005 SOURCE: State.gov