Holy See Joins UN Convention On The Prohibition Of Chemical And Toxic Weapons, The

by Holy See

The Holy See, by acceding to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BWC), which was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 16 December 1971 and entered into force on 26 March 1975, wishes to encourage the whole International Community resolutely to pursue the paths leading to a system of disarmament of weapons of mass destruction, as part of the process of global and complete disarmament.

The tragic events of 11 September 2001 have led to a clearer and more widespread awareness of the need to build a culture of multilateral dialogue and a climate of trust between all the members of the human family. At this particular point in history, instruments of cooperation and prevention constitute one of the most effective safeguards in the face of heinous acts such as the use of biological weapons, capable of indiscriminately striking at innocent civilian populations.

In conformity with its own nature and the specific condition of Vatican City State, the Holy See, by its solemn act of accession, wishes to offer its moral support to the commitment of all States to promote a practical implementation of the Convention in question, aware that the establishment of a culture of peace, and of life is based upon the values of responsibility, solidarity and dialogue.

© L'Osservatore Romano, Editorial and Management Offices, Via del Pellegrino, 00120, Vatican City, Europe, Telephone 39/6/698.99.390.

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