[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[August 13, 1992]
[Page 1355]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 1355]]


Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the Chemical Weapons 
Convention
August 13, 1992

    The President announced today strong United States support for the 
Chemical Weapons Convention completed at the Conference on Disarmament 
in Geneva, August 7. He said the United States is committed to signing 
the treaty as soon as it is open for signature, and he called on all 
other nations to make a similar pledge.
    The treaty, concluded after years of intensive negotiations, calls 
for the total banning of chemical weapons worldwide. The United States 
has been committed to that goal since the beginning of the negotiations 
and applauds the dedicated efforts of all who have helped to bring the 
talks to a successful conclusion. The United States firmly believes that 
removing the threat of these weapons of terror is now possible and will 
be achieved when all states join and abide by this treaty.
    The United States underscores its intention of working actively to 
bring the Chemical Weapons Convention into force at the earliest 
possible date and believes that all responsible governments will join us 
in this pursuit.