The United States has expressed approval of the decision by States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) to elect Czechia and North Macedonia to seats on the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Executive Council. The decision also included the rejection of Russia's bid for a seat. During the proceedings, many countries emphasized that a State Party engaged in a war of aggression and committing violations of the Convention should not be granted a seat on the OPCW’s Executive Council.
Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson, stated, "As many countries noted during the proceedings, a State Party that is engaged in a war of aggression against a neighbor and that is committing extensive violations of the Convention is not deserving of a seat on the OPCW’s Executive Council."
Miller further added, "It is clear that the States Parties to the CWC value the global norm against the use of chemical weapons. Russia must cease using chemical weapons and riot control agents as a method of warfare in its unlawful war against Ukraine and in violation of the CWC."
With this vote concluded, there is hope from various parties involved that all States Parties will now focus on advancing OPCW's core mission towards achieving a world free from chemical weapons.
