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06 May 2017, 13:27

Belarus set to join Rotterdam Convention

MINSK, 6 May (BelTA) – Belarus plans to join the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, Yuri Ambrazevich, Permanent Representative of Belarus to the UN Office in Geneva, said as he attended a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions on 4 and 5 May, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Yuri Ambrazevich participated in the political segment of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions regulating issues related to the management of chemicals and waste. “Yuri Ambrazevich informed the participants about Belarus' compliance with the commitments assumed under the Basel and Stockholm conventions in the context of the effort to achieve sustainable development goals, and also about the country's intent to join the Rotterdam convention,” the press service said. The ministry added that the Belarusian government's activities in the areas covered by the conventions are systematic, structured around the relevant state programs, and guaranteed by specialized government agencies and legal provisions.

Belarus' growing involvement in the international trade system and the intensification of the cooperation in the Eurasian Economic Union prompt the country to explore the best international practices. “With this in mind, Belarus intends to accede to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. The matter is currently considered by relevant government authorities,” the press service specified.

Yuri Ambrazevich pointed out that Belarus is in favor of de-politicizing the issues regarding the transit of hazardous chemicals and waste. The country is also interested in a regional dialogue, first of all, with its neighboring countries to jointly search for the best ways for the destruction of hazardous waste and unusable stocks of pesticides. Joining the efforts of Belarus and its neighboring states to build capacities for the destruction of hazardous chemicals may be a promising area of investment cooperation in the region.

The Belarusian diplomat voiced support for the work conducted under the three chemical conventions to build national capacity of the member states. He emphasized that the standards and regulations developed by the experts working with the conventions contribute to the development of international cooperation and the harmonization of national legislations, which eventually has a direct influence on the wellbeing of all people.

The high-level meeting was attended by the heads of the environmental protection agencies of around 180 countries, the heads of permanent missions in Geneva, and representatives of relevant international organizations. The theme of the meetings and the high-level segment was “A future detoxified: sound management of chemicals and waste”.

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