American Jewish Committee Urges Ratification Of The Chemical Weapons Convention

American Jewish Committee
Thursday, 6 February 1997

The American Jewish Committee is urging the Senate to ratify the Chemical Weapons Convention(CWC), an international treaty which bans the use, possession and manufacture of chemical weapons. If the U.S. does not ratify by April 29, it will be unable to participate in CWC's enforcement and compliance systems.

In a letter sent today to members of the Senate , AJC's President and Executive Director, Robert S. Rifkind and David A. Harris, respectively, wrote, in part:

"We believe the Convention is of such importance in preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction that its ratification should not be linked to any other issues now before the Committee on Foreign Relations.

"Chemical weapons have, in recent memory, threatened American and allied troops in the Gulf War, as well as the people of Israel. Their use during the Iran-Iraq War and Saddam Hussein's employment of them against his own Kurdish population should serve as ample warning of the dangers posed by chemical weapons, and of the urgency of establishing the CWC regime.

"American national security will be enhanced by ratification of the CWC. It will reduce the chance that U.S. troops will face chemical weapons on the battlefield, which is why our military leaders emphatically wish to see the Convention ratified….The Convention also strengthens the ability of law enforcement agencies by giving them new and vital tools to investigate illicit chemical weapons activities against our citizens here in the U.S….

"Tough new trade controls will prevent anyone from selling to nonmembers - the so-called rogue states - ingredients for chemical weapons, making it more difficult for them to build weapons….

"The United States has already pledged to destroy its own chemical weapon stockpiles. Failure by the Senate to ratify the CWC would seriously reduce its effectiveness. Therefore, the United States should set an example that will encourage other nations to do as we are committed to doing."

The AJC letter further noted that CWC, negotiated by the Reagan and Bush Administrations, is also supported by a broad range of political leaders from both parties and arms control experts.

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org