Chemical weapons threat reduction program formed by US, Iraq governments

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The United States of America and the Republic of Iraq signed a Framework for a Strategic Bilateral Cooperation Program for Addressing Chemical Weapons Risks in Baghdad.

A statement by the US Embassy received by IraqiNews.com cited “This program formalizes the cooperative efforts of our two nations in identifying and mitigating the threat of chemical weapons by developing a national response plan and building Iraq’s defensive capabilities.”

“The Framework recognizes the threat posed by chemical weapons and takes into account the Republic of Iraq’s ability to respond to such threats. In the document the United States and Iraqi Governments outline their intentions to assess the threat of chemical weapons, develop chemical and biological emergency response plans, and implement exchange and training programs,” the statement confirmed.

The statement stressed “The United States will continue its robust support for and collaboration with the Government of Iraq as outlined in the Strategic Framework Agreement. Recently, eleven senior Iraqi officials traveled to the United States to meet with U.S. government counterparts to discuss strategies for protecting Iraq from chemical threats.”

“During the past year, more than 100 representatives from various Iraqi ministries and agencies have participated in chemical weapons mitigation training, with more training anticipated during 2014,” the statement concluded.