E - commerce and biological weapons

T he 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC) was the first international treaty that enjoins nations to outlaw an entire class of weapons of mass destruction. The BWC’s Article I bans the development, production, stockpiling, or other acquisition of “microbial or other biological agents, or toxins whatever their origin or method of production, of types and in quantities that have no justification for prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes,” as well as “weapons, equipment or means of delivery designed to use such agents or toxins for hostile purposes or in armed conflict” (http://www. un.org/disarmament/WMD/Bio/pdf/Text_of_ the_Convention.pdf). Given that the treaty has 173 states parties and 9 signatories, most the world’s countries are bound by its provisions. ...................................................... “Certain countries, notably the Soviet Union and Iraq, have abused the lack of verification mechanisms in the past to develop biological weapons in breach of their international obligations.” ......................................................