International inspectors to examine chemical weapons stockpile

By Rob Jordan
Star Staff Writer
05-26-2004

International inspectors arrived at the Anniston Army Depot Tuesday to begin a routine examination of the chemical weapons stockpile there, according to the Army. The team, from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, is making its ninth inspection of the stockpile to verify that the Army is keeping accurate records of the remaining munitions. The OPCW is responsible for implementing the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention, an international treaty that bans chemical weapons and aims to eliminate them throughout the world. The United States ratified the treaty in 1997. The inspectors are supposed to give 48 hours notice of their visits. The last OPCW inspection of the Anniston stockpile was in November 2003, according to an Army statement. The team is expected to be in Anniston several days. The Department of Defense began storing weapons filled with nerve and blister agent at the depot in 1961. As of May 24, the incinerator had destroyed 31,461 GB-filled M-55 rockets, accounting for 310,627 pounds of nerve agent, according to the Army.

About Rob Jordan

Rob Jordan covers criminal justice issues for The Star.