A review conference on the treaty banning biological weapons that use bacteria and viruses has begun, and based on the lessons learned from the spread of the new coronavirus, it is expected that discussions will be held to prevent viruses and other weapons from being diverted to weapons.
On the other hand, the confrontation between Russia and Europe and the United States over the situation in Ukraine has surfaced, and the conference has been in turmoil from the first day.
The Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention, which prohibits the development and storage of biological weapons, began on the 28th at the United Nations European Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland for the first time in six years.
At the conference, based on the pandemic of the new coronavirus, discussions are expected to be held on sharing the latest scientific information on bacteria and viruses, and on verification methods when there is suspicion of diversion to weapons.
At the outset, Under-Secretary-General Izumi Nakamitsu, head of the United Nations disarmament department, said, "Pandemics have shown that infectious diseases can cause devastating damage, and biological threats have attracted attention. Throughout the 50-year history of the treaty, Each country has achieved results despite facing geopolitical difficulties," he said, calling for cooperation.
In response to this, representatives from various countries expressed opinions such as, "We should establish an international organization to investigate whether development in the biological field is misused."
On the other hand, the representative of Russia argued that "our concerns that the United States and Ukraine are jointly developing biological weapons in violation of the treaty have not been answered," and the European Union has responded to this. Representatives from countries and Japan strongly objected, saying, "The treaty is being used to make groundless claims."
The conference will be held until the 16th of next month, but as the conflict between countries continues over the situation in Ukraine, it is an unpredictable situation whether the final document for strengthening the treaty can be adopted.