    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [November 5, 1997]
    [Page 1503]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Russian Ratification of the Chemical Weapons Convention
    November 5, 1997

        I warmly welcome the action by the Russian Government today in
    ratifying the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). This landmark
    agreement, which the United States ratified last April, is already
    proving its value in enhancing international security. To date, 104
    countries have ratified the CWC, which outlaws the development,
    production, possession, and use of chemical weapons. Russia's
    ratification makes it possible for Russia to join the United States in
    playing a leadership role in ensuring that all of the Convention's
    benefits are realized. I congratulate President Yeltsin, the Russian
    Duma, and the Federation Council on successfully completing CWC
    ratification. Russia's action today is an important step forward in
    achieving our mutual arms control objectives. I look forward to further
    progress in the months to come.