    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [March 21, 1997]
    [Pages 342-343]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Russia-United States Joint Statement on Chemical Weapons
    March 21, 1997

        President Clinton and President Yeltsin discussed issues relating to
    the entry into force of the Convention on the Prohibition of the
    Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on
    Their Destruction. They stressed the commitment of the United States and
    Russia to full and effective accomplishment of the tasks and objectives
    of the convention.
        The Presidents reaffirmed their intention to take the steps
    necessary to expedite ratification in each of the two countries.
    President Clinton expressed his determination that the United States be
    a party when the Convention enters into force in April of this year, and
    is strongly urging prompt Senate action. President Yeltsin noted that
    the Convention had been submitted to the Duma with his strong
    recommendation for prompt ratification.
        Mindful of their special role and responsibility in the matter of
    chemical disarmament, the United States and Russia understand that their
    participation in the Convention is important to its effective
    implementation and universality.
        The Presidents noted that cooperation between the two countries in
    the prohibition of chemical weapons has enabled both countries to
    enhance openness regarding their military chemical potential and to gain
    experience with procedures and measures for verifying compliance with
    the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Parties will continue cooperation
    between them in chemical disarmament.

    [[Page 343]]

        The United States will seek appropriation of necessary funds to
    build a facility for the destruction of neuroparalytic toxins in Russia
    as previously agreed.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.