21 Aug 2012 11:52

Russia entering most difficult stage of chemical arms disposal

MOSCOW. Aug 21 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian Federal Department for the Safe Storage and Disposal of Chemical Weapons is about to start to dispose of composite chemical ammunition assemblies, the department's deputy director Vladimir Mandych said at a press conference at the Interfax central office on Tuesday.

"We are entering the final stage of the chemical arms disposal process - the disposal of composite ammunition assemblies. We have never done it before," he said.

Composite chemical ammunition assemblies contain non-recoverable explosives and toxic agents, he added.

These items account for a mere 0.18% of Russia's chemical ammunition stockpiles, the official said.