The disposal of complex chemical weapons has started at the Leonidovka disposal facility in the Penza region, Interfax said Thursday.
Valery Kapashin, head of the government agency in charge of chemical munitions disposal, said that complex chemical weapons — the destruction of which he said marked the “home stretch” of the program to dispose of all chemical weapons — are especially difficult to dispose of because they consist of both poisonous toxins and explosives primed to go off if disturbed.
He said the startup work on the new line was tested in December. All testing at that time indicated that the new technology was highly efficient for the disposal of compound chemical munitions, as well as safe.
The Leonidovka facility stores about seven tons of toxic agents. Kapashin said in late 2012 that the facility would operate for three years, meaning all weapons should be disposed of by 2015, in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1997 signed by Russia, the U.S. and 186 other countries.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
