NEWS RELEASES
March 4, 2004 (9:45 a.m. EST) No. 32
CANADA JOINS INTERNATIONAL
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER
Canada today acceded to the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) in
Moscow, an intergovernmental non-proliferation organization founded in 1992 by
Japan, Norway, the United States and the European Union. Canada and the ISTC
signed a memorandum of understanding detailing the modalities of Canada's
participation as a new ISTC member. Canada will occupy a seat on the Governing
Board and participate in the Science Advisory Committee. Canada will also provide
$18 million annually to fund ISTC projects aimed at integrating former weapons
scientists in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) into the
international scientific community to carry out peaceful research activities.
"Redirecting former Russian weapons scientists into civilian applications is a key
element of our international security agenda and a high priority for Canada under the
G8 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass
Destruction," said Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham. "Canada's accession to the
Center will allow us to contribute effectively to an organization that builds on
international cooperation to enhance international safety and security. It is a very
positive development in strengthening Canada's commitment to the Global
Partnership."
Canada's annual funding commitment will go toward the ISTC Science Program,
supplemental programs and operating budget commitments. The employment of former
weapons scientists is part of the Global Partnership, launched in June 2002 at
Kananaskis by G8 leaders. The Partnership commits the G8 to raise up to US$20
billion to support cooperation projects, initially in Russia, aimed at preventing the
acquisition of weapons and materials of mass destruction by terrorists or those who
shelter them.
ISTC objectives include giving CIS weapons scientists, particularly those with
knowledge and skills related to weapons of mass destruction and their delivery
systems, opportunities to redirect their talents to peaceful activities; contributing to
solving national and international technical problems; supporting the transition to
market-based economies; supporting basic and applied research; and encouraging the
integration of CIS weapons scientists into the international scientific community.
For additional information on the Global Partnership and Canada's efforts, please visit
http://www.globalpartnership.gc.ca.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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