Mexico Joins Global Anti-Chemical Weapons Group

By admin August 12, 2013 16:45

Mexico has just become the newest member of The Australia Group that is dedicated to preventing the spread of dangerous chemical and biological weapons.

Mexico will become The Australia Group’s 42nd country member and the second Latin American member. Argentina joined in 1993 and Spain in 1985.

The group is an informal coalition of countries that tries to control exports of materials, equipment and technology that create dangerous weapons and curtailing the development of those weapons. Currently the group is gathering support for the UN to investigate use of chemical weapons in Syria.

Mexico was invited to join the group due to its “steadfast efforts to bring Mexico’s export control system fully into line with AG common control lists and guidelines.” In addition Mexico was recognized for its commitment to eliminating weapons of mass destruction globally.

The U.S. was quick to congratulate Mexico on joining this noteworthy global citizen organization. The State Department noted: “Mexico is a valued nonproliferation partner. We look forward to continuing our work with Mexico in the Australia Group in furtherance of our shared nonproliferation goals.” “This development highlights the Mexican Government’s commitment to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including by regulating the trade of sensitive goods and technologies.”