BEIRUT, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon has became the 185th signatory of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), local Nahernet website reported on Saturday.

    The CWC, signed in 1993 and entered into force in 1997, is an arms control agreement which outlaws the production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons.

    "The government of Lebanon deposited its instrument of accession to the CWC with the Secretary-General of the United Nations," said a statement released on Friday by the Hague-based Organization for the Propitiation of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

    "Upon official confirmation of receipt of the instrument by the United Nations, the Convention will enter into force for Lebanon 30 days after the deposit and this country will become the 185th State Party to the CWC," it added.

    OPCW Director General Rogelio Pfirter called on the states which have not joined the convention to do so without delay.

    Middle East countries, Israel, Syria and Egypt, are among the last ten countries that have not joined in the convention.

    The OPCW considers Lebanon's joining the convention may lead these countries also to do so.

    The OPCW has carried out more than 3000 inspections in 80 member states.