Members of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, or OPCW, Executive Council got a first-hand look at destruction progress of the U.S. chemical weapons stockpile June 12 and 13 in Kentucky.
“This visit has been very special because we are reaching the end of destruction,” said Ambassador Fernando Arias, Director-General of the OPCW. “Your efforts will be remembered. This will remain forever a historical achievement and an excellent example for the rest of the world.”
During the two-day visit, officials provided an overview of chemical weapons destruction in the U.S., including Pueblo, Colorado, followed by a detailed update on progress at Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant, or BGCAPP, and a tour of the site.
In addition to the Director-General, the Ambassador contingent included the OPCW Executive Council chairperson, representatives of the five regional groups, the U.S. Ambassador to the OPCW, OPCW directors and representatives from the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of State.
The group heard briefings from Michael Abaie, program executive officer, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives; Kelso Horne, director, U.S. Chemical Materials Activity; and the Blue Grass and Pueblo site project managers.
During the BGCAPP tour, the members visited the Control Room and the Demilitarization Protective Ensemble Support Area, Treaty office and the Static Detonation Chamber 2000. The visit also included discussions with community members.
“Through the kind of transparency and community involvement demonstrated again here this week by your visit, we are on the verge of a monumental achievement to make the world a safer and more peaceful place,” said Craig Williams, co-chair, Kentucky Chemical Demilitarization Citizens’ Advisory Commission and Chemical Destruction Community Advisory Board.
He also said he appreciated the council’s interest in the work of the citizens’ groups that help facilitate understanding and support of BGCAPP.
The OPCW oversees efforts to permanently eliminate chemical weapons around the globe. It is the implementing organization that ensures compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention, the international treaty among 193 States-Parties. The only two remaining declared chemical weapons stockpiles in the world are in Kentucky and Colorado.
