Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Joint Statement on the Results of the Consultative meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of Biological and Toxin Weapons under BTWC Article V

Submitted by Belarus, China, Cuba, Nicaragua, Russian Federation, Syrian Arab Republic, Venezuela, Zimbabwe

Belarus, China, Cuba, Nicaragua, Russian Federation, Syrian Arab Republic, Venezuela, Zimbabwe thank the Chairperson of the Consultative meeting of the States Parties to the BTWC under its Article V for his tireless efforts that have made it possible to hold this Consultative meeting in a constructive and professional manner in the interests of proper implementation of the provisions enshrined in Article V of the BTWC. We are grateful to the States that took part in this event for their contribution and commitment to resolving the existing situation.

We have to conclude that the questions as to the military biological activities conducted by the United States in the context of the functioning of biological laboratories on the Ukrainian territory still remain unresolved. We have not received exhaustive explanations that could completely allay the doubts concerning the said activities and thus straighten out the situation that had prompted the Russian side to convene the Consultative meeting under BTWC Article V. This is regrettable.

As we see it, the States Parties to the BTWC should continue sharing expert opinions and further technical assessments and transmit their comments and suggestions on resolving the situation to the Convention's Ninth Review Conference.

In addition, given the outcomes of the Consultative meeting as well as to facilitate the resolution of the existing situation, we call for making use of all opportunities available within the framework of the BTWC, including the mechanism under Article VI of the Convention.

The outcomes of the event demonstrate the potential for strengthening the BTWC and improving its efficiency. The consultative meeting has confirmed the need to resume the negotiations on a legally binding protocol to the Convention, which should have a comprehensive nature and offer an effective verification mechanism. We hope that the States Parties will be able to adopt a relevant decision during the Ninth Review Conference of the BTWC.