EU, South Africa Concerned About Erosion Of Rules Prohibiting Chemical Weapons

South Africa and the European Union agreed on Thursday a joint statement, expressing concern about the erosion of international norms on the prohibition of chemical weapons.

BRUSSELS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th November, 2018) South Africa and the European Union agreed on Thursday a joint statement, expressing concern about the erosion of international norms on the prohibition of chemical weapons.

Earlier in the day, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held a meeting in Brussels with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk.

"We share concerns about the erosion of the global norm against the production, use and stockpiling of chemical weapons. We fully support the work of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons [OPCW] in strengthening implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention," the statement said.

In late June, members of the OPCW have approved the UK-tabled draft motion expanding the organization's powers in a 82-24 vote.

In particular, the document mandates the OPCW's right to identify those responsible for the use of chemical weapons.

After the vote, Russian Envoy to the OPCW Alexander Shulgin said that the attempts to create an attributive mechanism in the OPCW actually put the entire system of international relations at risk. Russia's position was that the UN Security Council was the only organization that can pronounce someone guilty of chemical weapons use and impose sanctions, the diplomat said. Russia intends to give a verified and balanced answer with regard to national interests, he added.