Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter of Argentina is appointed new Director-General of the Oganisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)."We wish to open a new chapter. First, one of my top priorities will be to ensure appropriate funding in 2003. The destruction of chemical weapons and their production facilities must be completed as soon as possible. A number of countries have yet to join the Organisation and should do so without delay. And finally, the Technical Secretariat must keep pace with new technological challenges and scientific advances to maintain the Convention's security relevance."
He was recommended by the OPCW’s Latin American Group and approved by the First Special Session of the Conference of the States Parties, on July 25. He replaces former Director-General Jose M. Bustani who was ousted, this past April, by the same group.
Mr. Bustani had emphasised the organisation’s commitment to bring all nations into the OPCW and it appears that Mr. Pfirter will be taking a somewhat different approach.
Mr. Bustani had emphasised the organisation’s commitment to bring all nations into the OPCW and it appears that Mr. Pfirter will be taking a somewhat different approach.