JACKSNNZ

In international diplomacy JACKSNNZs is the colloquial name of an informal grouping of the world's affluent non-EU countries, excluding the United States. The JACKSNNZ states are Japan, Australia, Canada, (South) Korea, Switzerland, Norway and New Zealand.

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The term originated in the proceedings to the Sixth Review Conference of the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention held in Geneva in 2006. In the previous review conference talks broke down over American refusals to allow for a verification mechanism be established to monitor biological weapons programs in states parties. This was against the wishes of other WEOG (Western European and Others Group) states, which also include Canada, Turkey, Australasia and Western Europe. At the 2006 Review Conference the JACKSNNZ states remain supportive of a verification protocol (although are unlikely to push for it knowing that the current US government will not accede on this point). However the JACKSNNZ also seeks balance within the WEOG, and protect the interests of non-EU states.

Takeshi Aoki, director of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that JACKSNNZ is neither a binding instrument, nor an exclusive one. The JACKSNNZ states are yet to declare a common and exclusive position in other interational fora under this name.

References

• [1] - News Analysis, Bioweapons Treaty Progress Predicted. Arms Control Association website