PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES G8 GLOBAL
PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS
May 30, 2003
St. Petersburg, Russia
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that Canada would contribute
close to $149 million towards new projects under the G8 Global Partnership
Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction initiative
launched at last year's G8 Summit in Kananaskis. This is the first contribution
under Canada's overall commitment of up to $1 billion over ten years toward the
G8 Global Partnership.
At the 2002 G8 Summit, Leaders committed to raising up to $20 billion US in
support of non-proliferation, disarmament, counterterrorism, and nuclear safety
co-operation in Russia and other former countries of the Soviet Union.
"The Global Partnership projects announced today will improve
international security by destroying chemical weapons, dismantling nuclear
submarines, disposing of fissile materials and redirecting former weapons
scientists into peaceful research," said the Prime Minister. "These
actions will also prevent terrorist groups from acquiring key ingredients for
weapons of mass destruction."
The new projects include:
- almost $32 million to the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development's program to safely and securely manage spent nuclear fuel from
submarines in Northern Russia;
- $65 million towards Russia's plutonium disposition program, which will
dispose of material for thousands of nuclear weapons;
- $4 million to the International Atomic Energy Agency to strengthen nuclear
and radiological security throughout the Former Soviet Union;
- $18 million to fund projects under the International Science and
Technology Center in Moscow, to redirect thousands of former weapons
scientists into peaceful research activities; and,
- $30 million to support the construction of the chemical weapons
destruction site at Shchuch'ye (Kurgan Oblast).
For additional background information on the Global Partnership and Canada's
efforts, please visit http://www.globalpartnership.gc.ca
Funding for these projects was provided for in the February 2003 federal
budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
BACKGROUNDER - DESTRUCTION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS – GLOBAL
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
Recognizing the threat posed by terrorist acquisition of weapons and
materials of mass destruction, G8 leaders launched the G8 Global Partnership
Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction at the
Kananaskis Summit on June 27, 2002. Under this initiative, G8 leaders undertook
to raise up to US$20 billion to support cooperation projects, initially in
Russia, to address the terrorist threat. As Chair of the G8 for 2002, Canada led
this effort t o strengthen international security and safety. The destruction of
chemical weapons was identified by leaders as among the priority concerns to be
addressed by the Global Partnership.
At the end of the Soviet era, the Russian Federation inherited the world's
largest arsenal of chemical weapons (CW). At approximately 40,000 metric tonnes,
Russia's declared stockpile includes deadly nerve agents (sarin, soman and VX)
and blister agents (mustard and lewisite). Destroying these weapons, as Russia
has undertaken to do pursuant to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), will be
a lengthy undertaking, likely costing in excess of US$8 billion (close to 11
billion CDN).
The CWC requires all states parties to destroy their chemical weapons in a
safe and environmentally friendly manner. Certain methods—such as dumping in a
body of water, land burial, or open pit burning—are not permitted. The CWC
stipulates that destruction of national stockpiles is to be accomplished within
10 years of the Convention's entry into force; that is, by April 29, 2007. The
Russian Federation has formally requested a five-year extension of this
deadline. Russia successfully completed the first stage of its destruction
program in April 2003, destroying 400 tonnes of chemical weapons (i.e. one
percent of its total stockpile).
The Convention provides extensive, detailed verification measures - including
declarations and on-site inspections - to support its basic prohibition of all
chemical weapons. Destruction of all CW is verified through the continuous
on-site presence of inspectors from the Organization for the Prohibition of
Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Under the Global Partnership Program, support for Russian CW destruction will
enhance international security and safety by helping to prevent terrorists, or
those that harbour them, from acquiring or developing chemical weapons and/or
related materials, equipment and technology. And by helping Russia meet its CWC
obligations, the Global Partnership promises to strengthen multilateral
non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament efforts.
Canadian Contributions
Before the Global Partnership was formed, Canada contributed approximately
$5.35 million toward the construction of a Chemical Weapons Destruction Facility
(CWDF) at Shchuch'ye (Kurgan Oblast). Funds were directed toward several
high-priority infrastructure projects, including construction of an access road
to the site's industrial area; construction of a power line for the CWDF, and
partial funding of a 105-km natural gas line to the facility.
Russia is the second largest contributor to the G8 Global Partnership with a
commitment of $2 billion (US) over the next ten years. This is a concrete
demonstration of its commitment to this important initiative - a true
partnership.
For further information, contact:
Media Relations Office Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Tel.: (613) 995-1874
Web site: http://www.globalpartnership.gc.ca
BACKGROUNDER - NUCLEAR AND RADIOLOGICAL SECURITY – GLOBAL
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
Recognizing the threat posed by terrorist acquisition of weapons and
materials of mass destruction, G8 leaders launched the G8 Global Partnership
Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction at the
Kananaskis Summit on June 27, 2002. Under this initiative, G8 leaders undertook
to raise up to US$20 billion to support cooperation projects, initially in
Russia, to address the terrorist threat. As Chair of the G8 for 2002, Canada led
this effort to strengthen international security and safety. The disposition of
fissile materials was identified by leaders as among the priority concerns to be
addressed by the Global Partnership.
Securing and disposing of weapon-grade plutonium and highly enriched uranium
has become a high priority since the end of the Cold War, as nuclear weapons are
dismantled and stockpiles of these materials are declared surplus to defence
requirements. The possibility that these materials will be stolen and sold
illegally for such use by others poses a major threat to global security.
Effective global reduction of nuclear weapons therefore means that nuclear
materials must be accounted for, secured, and converted into non-weapons-usable
forms ("dispositioned") quickly and efficiently.
Plutonium Disposition
Canada is addressing this challenge through a variety of methods. One is by
contributing to the disposition of Russian weapon-grade plutonium. Much of
Russia's stockpile needs better protection, as there have been instances of
material stolen and smuggled out of the country. To reduce this danger, Canada
and many G8 countries are negotiating the terms of a multilateral project aimed
at dispositioning 34 tonnes of Russian weapon-grade plutonium. Canada strongly
supports Russia's plutonium disposition program.
Increased Security
Canada will also support projects aimed at increasing the security of nuclear
and radiological materials in Russia and countries of the former Soviet Union (FSU).
For example, with a $4 million contribution to the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA), we are funding efforts to strengthen the physical protection at
facilities that house these materials, to reduce the risk of theft or sabotage.
Likewise, these projects will help countries develop tighter accountability
measures to help governments monitor their stockpiles and increase border
controls to prevent the illicit trafficking of these materials. Canada is
contributing $4 million to the International Atomic Energy Agency to strengthen
nuclear and radiological security throughout the FSU.
With respect to radiological material in particular, Canada is supporting
activities, at the IAEA, involving the recovery and destruction of
"orphaned sources." Radioactive sources have benefited societies for
decades through applications such as diagnosing and treating illnesses. However,
the same materials can be used to make a "dirty bomb" (using
conventional explosives to disperse radioactive material ).
Whether under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),
with G8 partners, or other engaged parties, these cooperation projects funded
under the Global Partnership Program will continue to contribute significantly
toward increasing global security.
Russia is the second largest contributor to the G8 Global Partnership with a
commitment of $2 billion (US) over the next ten years. This is a concrete
demonstration of its commitment to this important initiative - a true
partnership.
For further information, contact:
Media Relations Office Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Tel.: (613) 995-1874
Web site: http://www.globalpartnership.gc.ca
BACKGROUNDER - GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM – EMPLOYMENT OF
FORMER WEAPONS SCIENTISTS
Recognizing the threat posed by terrorist acquisition of weapons and
materials of mass destruction, G8 leaders launched the G8 Global Partnership
Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction at the
Kananaskis Summit on June 27, 2002. Under this initiative, G8 leaders undertook
to raise up to US$20 billion to support cooperation projects, initially in
Russia, to address the terrorist threat. As Chair of the G8 for 2002, Canada led
this effort to strengthen international security and safety. The reemployment of
former weapons scientists was identified by leaders as among the priority
concerns to be addressed by the Global Partnership.
With the end of the Cold War, demand for the skills of weapons scientists was
virtually eliminated. However, many of those scientists retain the knowledge of
how to construct weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The possibility exists that
some of these scientists may be tempted to sell their knowledge to terrorist
organizations or unfriendly states. This is a threat not only to Canada, but
also to all countries interested in the elimination of terrorist activities.
At the time of its collapse in 1991, the Soviet Union had left tens of
thousands of senior and junior weapons scientists without full-time employment.
To reduce the risk, governments have been working together to find ways to
redirect these scientists by providing them with opportunities to apply their
knowledge to peaceful scientific pursuits, while providing them with sustainable
employment.
The International Science and Technology Centre
The Moscow-based International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) helps to
downsize and convert weapons of mass destruction in Russia and the Commonwealth
of Independent States (CIS). The ISTC coordinates the efforts of numerous
governments, international organizations, and private-sector industries to
provide weapons scientists from CIS countries with opportunities to redirect
their talents to peaceful scientific pursuits. The strategy is to establish the
basis for long-term economic and scientific interaction with Russia and other
CIS countries by pairing the capability of former weapons scientists with
current international science, health, technology and security problems and
needs. The challenge is to achieve sustainable employment by ensuring that work
remains compatible with the needs of industry.
The ISTC provides two main mechanisms toward this goal. First, an inventory
of projects is created through Russian institutions, which submit proposals to
the ISTC. Acceptable projects are included in a pool of projects that are made
available to member countries for funding consideration. Second, government and
academic institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can join the
ISTC under a partnership arrangement. These entities can propose projects of
their own, and the ISTC acts as an intermediary, connecting them with the
appropriate expertise.
The ISTC operates in a similar manner to the Science and Technology Centre of
Ukraine (STCU). Canada has been involved with the STCU since its establishment
in 1994, through a program administered by the Canadian International
Development Agency (CIDA). CIDA's experience with the STCU has shown that
participation in this type of institution has benefited both Canada and the host
country in terms of bilateral relations and scientific advancement. Success
stories with the STCU indicate that more emphasis should be placed on technology
transfer through partnership projects, in order to achieve the objective of
employing these scientists while reducing their dependence on government
assistance. As a result of this, both the STCU and the ISTC have been
reorganized to focus on this aspect of the Centre's activities. The Global
Partnership will continue to benefit from these lessons learned from Canadian
participation in the STCU.
Russia is the second largest contributor to the G8 Global Partnership with a
commitment of $2 billion (US) over the next ten years. This is a concrete
demonstration of its commitment to this important initiative - a true
partnership.
For further information, contact:
Media Relations Office Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Tel.: (613) 995-1874
Web site: http://www.globalpartnership.gc.ca
BACKGROUNDER - THE GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM –
DISMANTLING RUSSIA'S NUCLEAR SUBMARINES
Recognizing the threat posed by terrorist acquisition of weapons and
materials of mass destruction, G8 leaders launched the G8 Global Partnership
Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction at the
Kananaskis Summit on June 27, 2002. Under this initiative, G8 leaders undertook
to raise up to US$20 billion to support cooperation projects, initially in
Russia, to address the terrorist threat. As Chair of the G8 for 2002, Canada led
this effort to strengthen international security and safety. The dismantlement
of nuclear submarines was identified by leaders as among the priority concerns
to be addressed by the Global Partnership.
The end of the Cold War arms race left Russia with a legacy of nuclear
submarines in need of immediate dismantling. Although Russia has begun the
process, it requires additional infrastructure and resources to address the
problem swiftly, and to secure the nuclear and radioactive material from the
vessels at every stage of the process.
Over the past 10 years, several countries—including Japan, Norway and the
United States—have supported Russia's submarine dismantlement process;
however, much more needs to be done. The nuclear and other radioactive materials
on the submarines and surface ships, and those stored at the shipyards, continue
to pose a considerable threat in terms of both theft and sabotage. It is for
these reasons that G8 leaders identified the dismantlement of decommissioned
nuclear submarines as a key priority under the Global Partnership.
Submarine Dismantlement
Dismantling decommissioned nuclear submarines is a lengthy, expensive and
hazardous process. Vessels are laid up at a variety of sites—including major
fleet bases, navy territories, and industrial ship-repairing yards—where
security is far from adequate. The age of the fleet, combined with the
substandard storage facilities, increases the risk of environmental damage and,
in case of fuel leaking, of significant radioactive contamination of the Arctic
and Pacific Oceans. Many of the vessels also have buoyancy problems, and must be
secured to remain afloat while they are being dismantled.
Once a submarine is safely docked, the fresh and spent nuclear fuel must be
removed to an interim storage facility, before being transported by rail to a
secure facility for reprocessing. The contaminated reactor compartments must be
removed, and stored for several decades until the levels of radioactivity
diminish. Finally, the remaining shell of the submarine must be chopped up and
recycled. The total cost of dismantling all of Russia's decommissioned nuclear
submarines could reach several billion dollars.
Canada and its Partners
In keeping with its commitment to increasing global security, Canada is
working bilaterally with Russia and multilaterally with its G8 and other
interested partners to address this problem in an effective and coordinated
manner. Canada is also cooperating with multilateral organizations, such as the
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Canada's contribution
will help to ensure that Russia's nuclear fleet is safely dismantled, and the
resulting materials secured against terrorist acquisition.
Russia is the second largest contributor to the G8 Global Partnership with a
commitment of $2 billion (US) over the next ten years. This is a concrete
demonstration of its commitment to this important initiative - a true
partnership.
For further information, contact:
Media Relations Office Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Tel.: (613) 995-1874
Web site: http://www.globalpartnership.gc.ca
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