04 Nov 2024
Madam Chair,
1 I am taking the floor to explain my delegation’s position on the draft resolution L.73 entitled “Strengthening and institutionalizing the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction (BWC)” which was just adopted.
2 Singapore in-principle supports proposals aimed at strengthening the practical implementation of the BWC, including through the establishment of a technical implementing agency. Discussions on such proposals should continue to take place within the ongoing BWC Working Group process that was established by consensus at the Ninth Review Conference of the States Parties to the BWC.
3 At the same time, it is of critical importance that a technical implementing agency for the BWC has operational independence. This will ensure that it is able to carry out its technical mandate, including investigations into potential violations of the BWC, without undue interference from external parties. Such an agency should also more appropriately be under the oversight of BWC States Parties, taking reference from the examples of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Both agencies also give regular updates to the UN.
4 Thank you.
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