Chemical weapons treaty put to test over Novichok spy attack

THE chemical weapons treaty is to be put to the test. The poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter has prompted the UK to demand a “clarification” from Russia under article 9 of the 1997 treaty. It has never been invoked before.

Another never-used provision would let the UK inspect Russian facilities at short notice.

Last week, a UK judge ruled that the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons can take blood from the victims and have it analysed by two independent labs. Despite rising diplomatic tensions, Russia’s delegate to the OPCW has called this approach “legitimate”.…