Press release 11 December 2003 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Sweden to contribute SEK 13 million to international commission on weapons of mass destruction The Government decided today to finance an independent and free-standing international commission on weapons of mass destruction. Sweden will contribute SEK 13 million to the commission’s activities for the period 2004 and 2005. The commission is being set up following a Swedish initiative and is to provide new impetus to the international efforts involved in disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and missiles. Hans Blix, the former head of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), will chair the commission. “The existence of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons represent a serious threat to international peace and security and new initiatives are needed in the efforts for disarmament and non-proliferation,” states Minister for Foreign Affairs Laila Freivalds. “I am convinced that the commission, under the capable leadership of Hans Blix, can help inject new energy into the global efforts aimed against weapons of mass destruction and that the commission can provide new recommendations and proposals in the field,” Laila Freivalds says. To the editorial office: Invitation to a press conference with Hans Blix On Tuesday 16 December, Hans Blix will hold a press conference at which the names of the 14 members of the commission will be announced. Mr Blix will then also present the plans for the commission’s work. Time: Tuesday 16 December at 11.30 am. Venue: Rosenbad, Bella Venezia. Please bring your press credentials! The press conference will be interpreted into English and can also be followed on the Government’s website: www.regeringen.se Contact Anders Hagquist Press Secretary +46 8-405 56 81 +46 70-3145700 Henrik Salander Ambassador, Secretary-General of the Commission +46 8-543 56 113  Maria Håkansson Press Officer +46 8-405 15 82 +46 708-66 84 91