By Prensa Latina
Geneva : The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) called on Tuesday to strengthen the United Nations Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).
On behalf of the NAM, which Cuba presides, the Cuban ambassador to International Bodies in Geneva, Juan Antonio Fernandez, underlined the need to consolidate multilateral dialogue to make achievements in that field.
Fernandez said that the NAM group and other member states of the Convention think the conclusion of agreements in an atmosphere of non-discrimination, including the process of verifications, can pave the way to an accord.
Considering all articles of the BWC, in a balanced and understanding way, it is possible to make arrangements, although our group is deeply concerned at the potential use of biological weapons, he pointed out.
The diplomat added that the threat of using biological and toxic agents as instruments of war and terror are elements that attempt against the progress of the BWC.
“We strongly think that adhesion to a solid Convention will make a significant contribution to achievements in the field of weapon control, non-proliferation and universal disarmament in an atmosphere of transparent negotiations,” Fernandez stressed.
In the light of the 2007-2010 sessions, Fernandez presented seven prioritized issues of the NAM to make the BWC protocol a viable instrument in tune with humankind’s wish for peace.
Among them, he noted the implementation of the Convention at the national level, strict control over weapon export and import mechanisms and the detection of viruses caused or accidentally spread.