Russia, China and 6 others question US biological labs in Ukraine

New York/Washington: Eight countries – Russia, China, Belarus, Cuba, Nicaragua,  Syria, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe –  arrived at a conclusion here that the questions as to the military biological activities conducted by the United States in the context of the functioning of biological laboratories on the Ukrainian territory still remain unresolved.

“We have not received exhaustive explanations that could completely allay the doubts concerning the said activities and thus straighten out the situation. This is regrettable,” these eight countries said in a joint statement after the Consultative meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of Biological and Toxin Weapons (BTWC) here on October 18, 2022 (local time).

Russia had convened the Consultative meeting under BTWC Article V. 

The joint statement called upon the States Parties to the BTWC to continue sharing expert opinions and further technical assessments and transmit their comments and suggestions on resolving the situation to the Convention’s Ninth Review Conference.

In addition, given the outcomes of the Consultative meeting as well as to facilitate the resolution of the existing situation, they further called for making use of all opportunities available within the framework of the BTWC, including the mechanism under Article VI of the Convention.

“The outcomes of the event demonstrate the potential for strengthening the BTWC and improving its efficiency. The consultative meeting has confirmed the need to resume the negotiations on a legally binding protocol to the Convention, which should have a comprehensive nature and offer an effective verification mechanism. We hope that the States Parties will be able to adopt a relevant decision during the Ninth Review Conference of the BTWC,” they stated.

Meanwhile, the United States today released a National Biodefense Strategy, which establishes a roadmap to help plan for and protect against future biological threats, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate in origin. The National Biodefense Strategy recognizes that domestic action alone is insufficient to protect America’s health and security in an interconnected world.  It directs greater international attention and focus, including expanding the sustainable and transparent capacity building, improving country-led and adequately financed health security, as well as actions to prevent the acquisition and use of biological weapons.

“It outlines a bold vision by transforming the Federal Government’s ability to prevent, detect, prepare for, respond to, and recover from outbreaks, together with our partners – including our international partners,” the US State Department stated in Washington.