Armenia assumes chairmanship of OPCW Committee of the Whole at 30th CSP

Armenia assumed the chairmanship of the Committee of the Whole of the 30th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on Monday, the Armenian Embassy in the Netherlands reported.

On the occasion of assuming the chairmanship, Ambassador Viktor Biyagov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the OPCW, stated: “It is a great honor for Armenia to assume this important responsibility. Our chairmanship will reflect Armenia’s firm commitment to the fundamental objective of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Armenia stands ready to contribute to bridging differences and finding constructive solutions.”

The Committee of the Whole is the principal substantive organ of the Conference of the States Parties, composed of all States Parties - a primary forum where major substantive issues are discussed, particularly those sensitive matters on which States Parties have not yet been able to reach consensus. Accordingly, the Committee’s main function is to consider proposals submitted by all States Parties on the items referred to it and conduct negotiations with the aim of building consensus.

As a chair, Armenia is responsible for steering these discussions and negotiations, engaging with all delegations and facilitating their effective participation. The Chair plays a decisive role in convening and guiding informal consultations.