Disarmament Commission

2001 Substantive Session

244^th Meeting (AM)

DISARMAMENT COMMISSION WARNED THAT WEAPONS BUILD-UPS

COULD LEAD TO RESUMPTION OF GLOBAL ARMS RACE

As the 2001 substantive session of the Disarmament Commission continued its general exchange of views this morning, delegations warned that the build-up of weapons beyond national self-defence levels could only lead to regional and international insecurity and instability, as well as the resumption of a global arms race.

The excessive and destabilizing accumulation of conventional weapons had a negative impact on confidence among States, particularly neighbouring countries, South Africa's representative told the Commission.  Build-ups of weapons beyond levels required for national self-defence, as well as trade in illicit small arms, created an unstable environment that could often lead to conflicts.

Cold war mentalities, hegemony and power politics died hard and, therefore, the inclination to acquire absolute security by imposing military advantages remained undiminished, noted the representative of China.  Military superiority never guaranteed security -- unilateralism at the expense of other country’s security could only lead to insecurity.

The crux of the matter, he continued, was the attempt by one country to forge ahead with a national missile defence system in its attempt to achieve absolute security, including the introduction of weapons into outer space.  Those actions, which were in essence a disguised form of nuclear expansion, had severely shaken the foundation of global nuclear disarmament efforts.  It would also render initial reduction of nuclear arms meaningless, as well as undermine mutual trust between major countries.

The representative of the Democratic Republic of Korea stressed that the United States’ attempt to establish a national missile defence system was dangerous and would not only render global disarmament and peace efforts futile in their entirety, but could also spark off a new nuclear arms race.  As long as the hegemonic power politics of the United States continued unabated, the nuclear disarmament so desired by humankind would never be realized. 

He went on to say that in justifying the system, the United States continued to brand his country as a "rogue State" and claim a non-existent missile threat from it.  The United States administration’s stance to establish the system and their reluctance to resolve the missile issue with his country clearly showed who the real "rogue" was. 

Instead of witnessing the reinforcing of the disarmament agenda in bilateral or multilateral settings, stated India's representative, the past year had seen a reality of unfulfilled promises, missed opportunities, the search for unilateral advantages, hardening confrontational postures, threats to unravel instruments that formed the basis of global security, and a Conference on Disarmament that was kept in suspended animation.  An unjust and discriminatory framework had proved once again that it was fundamentally flawed, and was incapable of providing a fair and equitable system that respected the legitimacy of equal and undiminished security for all.

Statements were also made by the representatives of Myanmar, Egypt, Japan, Republic of Korea, Uruguay, Kyrgyzstan, Viet Nam and Ukraine.

The Commission will meet again at 3 p.m. today to conclude its general exchange of views.

Background

The United Nations Disarmament Commission met this morning to continue its exchange of views as part of its 2001 substantive session.  The Commission was established by the General Assembly as a deliberative body to consider disarmament issues and make recommendations on them.  It meets annually and its membership is the same as that of the Assembly.

Statements

ILIA DUBUISSON (South Africa) reiterated the concern her delegation had expressed during the Commission’s last substantive session over the inability of multilateral disarmament forums and the international community to substantively address one of the most central disarmament issues of the day, namely the deepening crises in the areas of international relations, non-proliferation and arms control.  South Africa remained concerned over the continued inability of the Conference on Disarmament to even begin its work, as well as that most First Committee resolutions did not enjoy the support of all Member States.  It was also troublesome that much of the Commission’s work was often ignored.

She went on to say, however, that the positive conclusion to the 2000 Review Conference of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the conclusion of the Preparatory Committee for the Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects, among others, would serve as inspiration for delegations to closely examine and participate in the work of the Commission.  She was hopeful that deliberations during this session on ways and means to achieve nuclear disarmament, as well as on practical confidence-building measures in the field of conventional weapons, would be concise and focused so that their consideration could be completed by the next session. 

She said that all States considered nuclear disarmament to be one of the most important disarmament challenges facing the international community. Therefore, South Africa firmly believed that deliberations on achieving disarmament should build upon -- and not diminish -- the agreements reached at the NPT Review Conference.  She said that it was important to note that the excessive and destabilizing accumulation of conventional weapons negatively impacted confidence among States, particularly neighbouring countries.  The build-up of weapons beyond national self-defence levels, as well as trade in illicit small arms, created an unstable environment that could often lead to conflicts.

One of the underpinning factors to practical confidence-building measures was the overall need for transparency, she said.  She believed that the scope of the Conventional Arms Register was too narrow as it did not include smaller types of arms, which had become the weapons of choice in conflicts destabilizing regions around the globe.  An expanded register, or a correlating system which tracked small arms and light weapons, would enhance confidence among States.  Her delegation also considered the destruction of surplus and confiscated weapons no longer used by governments as another important confidence-building measure.  To that end, South Africa’s Government had decided to destroy all surplus small arms, parts and spares.  Also hundreds of tons of conventional weapons and ammunition had also been destroyed.  She added that the international community had much work ahead to ensure a nuclear-weapon-free world.  Concrete agreed measures to reduce the operational status of nuclear weapons such as, among others, de-alerting and removing nuclear warheads for their delivery systems, were urgently required.

KO KO (Myanmar) said that the Strategic Arms Limitation and Reduction

Treaty II (START II) should be implemented and negotiations on START III should be initiated urgently.  He was concerned with the possible tests of missile technology, which could lead to a new arms race.  He expressed hope for an early establishment of an ad hoc committee of the Conference on Disarmament to discuss nuclear disarmament and the re-establishment of an ad hoc committee on a fissile materials ban to commence negotiations on a fissile material cut-off treaty. 

The security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons should be one of the fundamental issues in nuclear disarmament, he said.  That was why he welcomed any progress achieved in the Conference to establish a mechanism for reducing the threat of nuclear weapons by accidental or intentional triggering.  The establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones also constituted an effective measure of preventing geographical proliferation of nuclear weapons.  Myanmar was supportive of all efforts to establish nuclear-free zones.  

He believed that confidence-building measures in the field of conventional arms should be built on systematic and steady approaches.  States should cooperate with one another without hampering the rights of national self-defence and self-determination.  Such measures should be based on the principles of the sovereign equality of States, non-interference in the internal affairs of States and respect for the mutual interest of nations.

RAKESH SOOD (India) said that instead of witnessing the reinforcing of the disarmament agenda in bilateral or multilateral settings, the past year had seen a reality of unfulfilled promises, missed opportunities, the search for unilateral advantages, hardening confrontational postures, threats to unravel instruments that formed the basis of global security, and a Conference on Disarmament that was kept in suspended animation.  An unjust and discriminatory framework had proved once again that it was fundamentally flawed, and was incapable of providing a fair and equitable system that respected the legitimacy of equal and undiminished security for all.  That realization would hopefully infuse a greater degree of sobriety and seriousness into the Commission's deliberations this year. 

He suggested the Commission set down principles and measures that would pave the way to agreed, multilateral, non-discriminatory and irreversible nuclear disarmament.  Among those measures should be a review of nuclear doctrines that claimed the unacceptable posture of "first use".  A global "no first use" agreement should be pursued, which should include legally binding assurances of non-use against non-nuclear-weapon States and the recognition of nuclear-weapon-free zones established on the basis of arrangements freely arrived at among the States of a region.  India had already made unilateral commitments in those regards, and would exhort other nuclear-weapon States to do so in the interim, while the international community worked towards converting those commitments into legal obligations. 

Another measure needed was the implementation of the resolve made at the Millennium Summit to convene an international conference to identify ways of eliminating nuclear danger, he continued.  There was no justification for maintaining thousands of weapons on "hair trigger alert".  All nuclear weapon States needed to commit themselves to reduce the risk of unauthorized, accidental or unintentional use of nuclear weapons.  Other measures should include discouraging unilateral action that might be perceived as inconsistent with existing treaties, or which threatened the principles of legitimate security for all, and preventing the weaponization of outer space. 

India, he said, had consistently attempted to rely on confidence-building measures with countries in its neighbourhood, in the interest of maintaining international peace and security.  It had been the initiator of a number of confidence-building measures and would continue to pursue those actively.  The price that had to be paid for those initiatives could sometimes be excessive and threaten to unravel the best of intentions.  Therefore, he hoped that discussions in the Commission's Working Group on confidence building measures would produce substantial results soon, in the form of practical and useful guidelines. 

REDA BEBARS (Egypt) said the Commission’s work during this session was especially important, as it was engaged in the second round of deliberations on means to achieve nuclear disarmament and achieving confidence-building measures in the area of conventional arms.  He hoped that those deliberations would lead to the identification of guidelines which could be adopted by the Commission next year.  He also hoped that discussions on disarmament in general would follow the spirit of the discussions which took place at the NPT Review Conference.  Indeed, the outcome of that Conference had included a strong statement from the nuclear- weapon States to effect full disarmament.  He added that it was now important for national machineries to create concrete measures, to be implemented through an international framework, which were equal to the recognized threat of nuclear weapons.  Moreover, it was more critical than ever that the Disarmament Conference be activated, as it was the only body which negotiated such issues. 

He said that it was clear that all the Middle East States supported the NPT, as a clear-cut declaration against nuclear weapons as well as a tool which could free the region and the world from the nuclear threat.  Yet Israel alone impeded the efforts of the region, by standing by its nuclear options and not acceding to the NPT.  Those actions had compelled the NPT Review Conference to state explicitly the need for Israel to accede to the Treaty, with the aim of bringing the entire region in line with its provisions.

He went on to say that, for its part, Egypt fully supported nuclear non-proliferation in the Middle East and throughout the world.  The nuclear threat was indeed an issue that must be grappled with expeditiously.  Egypt had established nuclear-weapon-free zones, and had also welcomed the suggestion of the Secretary-General to hold an international conference on eliminating nuclear dangers.  Such a conference had been held in 1998 and its participants had agreed on the need for a new agenda on disarmament, which emphasized full and definitive obligations to eliminate nuclear weapons and achieve universality for the NPT.

Turning to confidence-building measures, he said the Commission should consider the many developments already under way as well as new initiatives, in the hope of enhancing global security.  It was important to give priority consideration to ensuring the success of the Conventional Weapons Register, which had thus far not lived up to expectations.  He regretted the failure of the government group studying the Register’s operating procedures, to find a way to expand its scope to cover military expansion, and the various aspects of nuclear weaponry, in particular.  In fact, by not tracking such weapons, the Register’s work had been practically invalidated.  The scope of the Register must be expanded to cover all weapons on a non-selective basis, since at present many countries considered that, in its current form, it could not meet their security needs.

TOSHIO SANO (Japan) said that taking into account the agreement reached at the NPT Review Conference, Japan -- together with Australia -- had introduced a resolution entitled "A path to the total elimination of nuclear weapons" at last year's General Assembly.  The resolution, which reaffirmed the final document of the Review Conference and showed a path to be taken towards the realization of a world free of nuclear weapons, was adopted with the support of 155 Member States.  It enumerated several concrete and immediate steps, which were a matter of priority.  The first was an early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).  The resolution had set 2003 as the target year for its entry into force.  Those remaining 13 States whose ratification was required for its entry into force were urged to ratify the Treaty as soon as possible.

Secondly, the Conference on Disarmament should start negotiating a treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices as soon as possible, he said.  Japan would like to see the completion of the negotiations by 2005, as called for by the Japan-Australia resolution.  In that regard, it was truly regrettable that the Conference remained at an impasse, due to the lack of an agreement on the programme of work.  The credibility of the Conference should not be allowed to erode any further.

Thirdly, the reduction of United States and Russian strategic offensive arms was also of critical importance, he said.  The Japan-Australia resolution also recognized that the realization of a world free of nuclear weapons would require further steps by the nuclear-weapon States, including the continuation of the nuclear disarmament process beyond START III, and deeper reductions by all nuclear-weapon States, unilaterally or through negotiations.  Regrettably, the process was now at a standstill and the problem of strategic stability impeded the immediate restart of the process.  Prolonged dispute on that issue would lead to a continued lack of progress in arms control and disarmament. 

In the Asia-Pacific region, he said, confidence-building measures had begun to play a more significant role than before through increased bilateral contacts.  An important achievement in the region was the establishment of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum.  Recently, the Forum had implemented confidence-building measures such as publishing the annual security outlook, submitting defence policy papers and encouraging countries to report to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms.  Moreover, candid and frank discussions had taken place at high-level meetings on some sensitive security issues.  

HU XIAODI (China) said that, even as mankind had entered the twenty-first century aspiring towards peace and seeking international cooperation, there were nevertheless countless hidden dangers in the international security arena.  Cold war mentalities and power politics died hard, and therefore, in some regions, the inclination to acquire absolute security by imposing military advantages remained undiminished.  It was critical, therefore, that countries seeking to ensure their own security consider the ways in which measures affected the common security of all countries.  Most importantly, national measures should ensure global security. True security for one country could be built only on the basis of universal security and extensive international cooperation.  Military superiority never guaranteed security -- unilateralism at the expense of other country’s security could only lead to insecurity.

He said that China advocated the establishment of a new security concept centred on mutual trust, mutual benefit, cooperation and the settlement of disputes through dialogue.  China believed seeking security through military alliance or an intensified arms race ran counter to the global trend towards security for all.  In that regard, the positive role of the Commission in formulating guidelines for global arms control was invaluable.  It was up to all Member States to ensure that this forum was strengthened, particularly in light of the fact that the Conference on Disarmament had not yet agreed on a programme of work, thus stalemating multilateral disarmament for the past several years.

START II had not yet been implemented, START III negotiations seemed distant and the Russia-United States bilateral nuclear disarmament process was at a standstill. 

He said that the crux of the problem was the attempt by one country to forge ahead with a national missile defence system in its attempt to achieve absolute security, up to and including the use of its advanced technologies to introduce weapons into outer space.  His delegation believed that those actions, which were in essence a disguised form of nuclear expansion, had severely shaken the foundation of nuclear disarmament efforts worldwide.  It would also render initial reduction of nuclear arms meaningless, as well as undermine the international non-proliferation regime and mutual trust between major countries.  Further, such actions would increase certain military factors.  Indeed, once a “shield” was in place, regardless of its effectiveness, a particular country might be more prone to act unilaterally to use or threaten to use force in international affairs.  He added that the introduction of Theatre Missile Defence in the Asia and Pacific Region would not enhance peace and security, since concerted regional efforts had resulted in the gradual movement towards peace in some areas, as well as the historic breakthrough in the peace process on the Korean Peninsula.

On nuclear disarmament, he said that China had always believed that the countries with the largest nuclear arsenals should move towards large-scale reduction of those stores as quickly as possible.  Nuclear-weapon States should also move to withdraw nuclear weapons deployed abroad and give up the practice of “nuclear sharing”.  While China welcomed the reduction of the respective nuclear-weapon stores of the United States and Russia through either bilateral agreement or unilateral action, it was important to remember that the transfer of nuclear arms into a so-called “inactive reserve” was not disarmament in any real sense.  He added that China had exercised the utmost restraint in nuclear weapons development and had a small but effective nuclear force, the sole objective of which was self-defence.  China had also been among the first countries to sign the CTBT. 

China also believed that a strengthened and consolidated international non-proliferation regime was an effective way to promote nuclear disarmament.  He called on all countries to sign the CTBT or accede to the NPT as soon as possible. In an effort to establish practical confidence-building measures in the field of conventional arms, he said that China would work with the international community, including on improving the international security environment, maintaining the international strategic balance, and adherence to the principles of the Charter in all disarmament matters.  He said that it must be fully recognized that the field of conventional arms was deeply connected to other areas of disarmament.  He added that any attempt at military expansion or strengthening military alliances under the cloak of establishing confidence-building measures must be opposed.

LI HYONG CHOL (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) said that ensuring a durable peace on the planet was fundamental to establishing just international relations.  In a new century, there were more serious challenges to nuclear disarmament than ever before.  The new United States administration was moving towards a policy of dominating the world with nuclear weapons, disregarding the demands of the times.  The United States, stressing the absolute role of nuclear weapons, was attempting with all means and ways to establish a national missile defence system, which was strongly denounced and rejected by the international community. 

That attempt on the part of the United States was dangerous and would not only render the global disarmament and peace efforts futile in their entirety, but could also spark off a new nuclear arms race, he continued.  As long as the hegemonic power politics of the United States continued unabated, the nuclear disarmament so desired by humankind would never be realized.  Hegemonic power politics, a major obstacle to the process of disarmament at present, should never be tolerated.

In justifying the missile defence system, the United States continued to brand his country as a "rogue State" and claimed a non-existent missile threat from it, he said.  The Democratic People’s Republic had made it clear to the Clinton administration that it was willing to agree to negotiated solutions to the missile issue, in the interests of both sides.  It had been developing a satellite launch system entirely for peaceful purposes, and if the United States guaranteed that it would launch its satellite free of charge, the Democratic People’s Republic would not seek to launch it from its territory, he said.  The Democratic People’s Republic had been exporting missiles purely for commercial purposes, and would stop such exports as soon as due compensation in kind was guaranteed.  Thirdly, if the United States gave up its hostile policy towards his country, the Democratic People’s Republic would discontinue the development of all missiles of more than a certain range. 

In light of the United States administration's stance, it was clear why they were evading the resolution of the missile issue with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, he said.  That clearly showed who the real "rogue" was.  Whether the United States established its system or not had nothing to do with his country.  However, as long as the United States continued to pick on his country as a justification for its missile defence system, his country would have no other choice but to take countermeasures.  "Since the United States attempts to enforce the establishment of the missile defence system by groundlessly accusing us and defying international opposition, our countermeasures also will not be bound by anything", he said.  The Democratic People’s Republic would make all efforts for peace in Korea, Asia and the rest of the world, but would never tolerate any attempt to impose peace in a unilateral and unjust way.

LEE HO-JIN (Republic of Korea) said the issue of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation had been high on the international agenda for decades, and concern about the threat of nuclear weapons had not diminished.  A significant event in the field was the outcome of the 2000 NPT Review Conference, which had produced a comprehensive final document squarely addressing important issues such as nuclear disarmament, treaty compliance and strengthening the review process. Most importantly, nuclear-weapon States had agreed unequivocally to the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals, leading to nuclear disarmament.  The Commission’s work should build upon that outcome and complement efforts under way in other disarmament forums to move forward with the process.

He went on to say that, in light of the complex nature of the disarmament process, the Republic believed that a practical step-by-step approach was necessary.  Nuclear-weapon States should make further efforts to reduce their weapons arsenals and increase transparency.  His delegation also supported the early entry into force of the CTBT.

Turning to confidence-building measures in the field of conventional arms, he said the primary goal should be to reduce the risk of conflicts caused by diminishing trust and misunderstanding between States.  Confidence-building measures, especially when applied in a comprehensive manner, had the potential to significantly enhance peace and stability and could eventually lead to, or facilitate, disarmament.  Such measures should also encompass a plurality of approaches and should include both military and non-military dimensions.  The United Nations Register of Conventional Arms represented an important first step towards transparency in conventional arms, he said, adding that more Member States should support that endeavour with greater sincerity.

He was happy to report that the OSCE and the Republic of Korea had co-hosted a conference on the applicability of OSCE confidence-building measures in north-east Asia, in Seoul two weeks ago.  The objective of that conference had been to enhance the understanding of multilateral security cooperation in the region, as well as to focus on perspectives for information and experience-sharing between the OSCE and Asia in the field of confidence-building measures for cooperative security.  Overall, the experience had proved valuable, particularly since the security environment in north-east Asia was rapidly changing.  And while the OSCE confidence-building model might not be applicable in all parts of the world, it could still serve as a useful reference for any international initiatives on the issue.

ALBERTO GUANI (Uruguay) said that the Millennium Declaration was a timely call to nations to work for the total elimination of nuclear weapons.  The nuclear era had come to an end.  The international community could no longer continue to drag that danger into the new century.  The problem of disarmament was found at different levels.  The issue of small arms and light weapons was gaining greater attention, particularly with preparations for the upcoming conference. 

Within the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), countries had already taken various measures and declared the region a "peace zone".  With the establishment of confidence-building measures, the region could attain more significant goals.  He expressed concern at the lack of agreement on the way to phase confidence-building measures.  Models successful in some regions might not apply to the specificities and needs of other regions.  He congratulated the Chair of Working Group II for her efforts to draft a text with possible recommendations on confidence-building measures in the field of conventional arms.  Much had been done in Latin America in the establishment of confidence-building measures and in the inventory of those measures.  Uruguay had implemented 230 such measures.  It was necessary to continue work to strengthen the security and transportation norms for the shipment of hazardous material, and such norms should include effective accountability mechanisms. 

ELMIRA IBRAIMOVA (Kyrgyzstan) said that one positive step in the field of disarmament would be the further creation and strengthening of nuclear-weapon-free zones.  She welcomed the important role of consultative expert groups in her region studying the possibility of such zones.  Creating nuclear-weapon-free zones would be one of the most realistic ways of ensuring stability in the region.  She also stressed that it was of the utmost importance that effective disarmament policy take into account the environmental cost of storing nuclear waste.  She urged cooperation between all States, as well as intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations with expertise in the field of nuclear waste disposal, to act as quickly as possible to ensure that radioactive substances were disposed of properly.

Turning to confidence-building measures, she said that it was important to realize that a wide variety of factors, including international terrorism and illegal trafficking of drugs and weapons, all posed threats to stronger national security.  That security was further hampered by the nuclear threat around the globe.  She was convinced that regional measures to build confidence could make a definitive contribution to international initiatives.  Indeed, measures aimed at weapons destruction and ensuring collective security within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) were two marvellous examples of regional cooperation, and of the ability of existing mechanisms aimed at addressing security issues to aid mutual understanding and trust between States.

She said the work of the Preparatory Commission for the upcoming conference on illicit trade in small arms had highlighted the serious threat that illegal sale, as well as the stockpiling of such weapons, posed to international security.  The conference would be an important step to achieving a worldwide consensus on those important issues and, perhaps just as significantly, could focus international attention on the work of the Commission itself.

HOANG CHI TRUNG (Viet Nam) said that his country had always supported international and regional efforts to achieve the complete elimination of nuclear weapons, and shared fully the view, stated in the final document of the First Special Session on Disarmament, that priority must be given to nuclear disarmament.  In that context, the continued retention of a huge number of nuclear warheads, and efforts to produce even greater numbers of such lethal weapons or to enhance their destructive capacities were unjustifiable on any count.  Hence, it was urgent that the world community, particularly the United Nations, made greater and more concerted efforts to promote the total elimination of nuclear weapons and their delivery systems, through the negotiation and conclusion of an international convention to ban all such weapons. 

Bearing in mind the complexities and obstacles to total nuclear disarmament, he supported the proposals put forth by the New Agenda Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament.  He shared the view that interim measures should be taken to pave the way towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons.  Among those initiatives, the early entry into force of the CTBT, the negotiation and conclusion of the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty and measures to de-alert and deactivate nuclear weapons were most urgent. 

He said that confidence-building measures were surely not substitutes for disarmament measures, but if carefully nurtured and strictly observed, they would facilitate and promote the process of arms limitations and disarmament.  In order to be successful, all confidence-building measures -- global and regional --

should be applied on a voluntary and reciprocal basis and be incremental in nature.  As the current Chair of the ASEAN Regional Forum, his country strongly supported efforts of the regional countries to formulate practical confidence-building measures in all areas.  The step-by-step approach being promoted in the Forum was the best way to enhance regional peace and stability.

YURII ONISHCHENKO (Ukraine) said that Ukraine was among the strongest and most consistent supporters of efforts aimed at reaching a nuclear-weapon-free world, although it realized that the path to that goal would not be easy or straightforward.  To reach that goal, the goodwill of nuclear-weapon States was needed, as was patience, perseverance and pressure from all countries and their citizens.  He was convinced that further deep reductions of nuclear weapons were of crucial importance, to confirm the validity of the results achieved by the

2000 NPT Review Conference. 

It was a well-know fact, he said, that expenditures for the acquisition of conventional arms amounted to almost 80 per cent of global military spending.  Therefore, conventional arms control was equally important to ensuring lasting regional and international peace and security.  In that context, he mentioned the Stockholm and Vienna documents, which included comprehensive confidence-building measures and promoted cooperation in military matters in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) area.

To meet the new challenges associated with the widespread proliferation, illicit traffic in and easy access to small arms and light weapons, the OSCE adopted its document on small arms and light weapons on 24 November 2000, he said.  At the same time, he realized that a comprehensive solution of small arms and light weapons-related problems was impossible without serious consideration of political, military, social and economic situation in concerned countries.  The legitimate defence and security needs of countries should be taken into account.  For its part, Ukraine was exercising a consistent and responsible policy regarding the supply of military goods to the international market. 

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