This website compiles information on the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). There is a timeline and history of the CWC negotiation, signing and entry into force. In addition, there is information about the First Review Conference in 2003 and the accomplishments of the CWC over the past 11 years. The CWC entered into force April 29, 1997 and is celebrating its 10th anniversary with special events in member nations all year. The year will conclude with the Second Review Conference held April 7-18, 2008 in The Hague.
We have specially highlighted the push for U.S. ratification of the CWC, a partisan battle that occupied the Senate in the fall of 1996 and spring of 1997. 11 years later it is interesting to look at the opposition raised to U.S. ratification of the CWC and juxtapose it against the accomplishments of the treaty. FAS has gone through our archives to find letters, petitions and reports from this time period. Many of these documents have not been previously available online and are now archived together in one place.
In addition to the historical material, the document archives also contain current news and commentary on the CWC. During the Second Review Conference of the CWC in The Hague, FAS research associate Cheryl Vos will be on site reporting daily on the proceedings and events of the plenary sessions and open forum.
FAS will be happy to host or link to any additional CWC-related documents or commentary on this site. Contributions and other comments can be sent to Kelsey Gregg.