For some 30 years the Agency has been the only international organization performing on-site verification of arms control commitments. The entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention is evidence of the continued relaxation of tensions in overall international relations. Detente has also made it possible to achieve tangible progress in the area of nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation. These are all important steps towards lifting the threat imposed by weapons of mass destruction. However, so important to States' security are most of these agreements and arrangements that the States cannot simply trust that the commitments made will be respected.
Verification is required to strengthen confidence.
Verification can be bilateral or regional, but is increasingly seen as a task to be performed impartially by organs of the international community. In a way it is like the functioning of laws in the national States. It marks a considerable achievement in arms control and disarmament. Successful implementation of the CWC will have an impact beyond the scope of the Treaty. Conversely, developments outside the Convention will have an impact on the prospects of fully achieving the aims of the Convention.