SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES LAUNCH OF INTERNATIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT AGAINST BALLISTIC MISSILE PROLIFERATION

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES LAUNCH OF INTERNATIONAL CODE

OF CONDUCT AGAINST BALLISTIC MISSILE PROLIFERATION

The following is a statement issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the launching of the International Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation:

The Secretary-General welcomes the launching of the International Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation.

The accumulation, technical refinement, proliferation, use or threat of use of ballistic and other types of missiles has long been a source of concern to the international community.  The Code of Conduct, as a voluntary, non-legally binding instrument, is a positive step towards preventing the proliferation of ballistic missiles and towards international peace and security.

At the same time, the Secretary-General stresses the need to continue international efforts to deal with the issue of missiles in its totality.  There is no universally accepted norm or instrument specifically governing the development, testing, production, acquisition, transfer, deployment or use of missiles.  He looks forward to additional measures that will address this and related concerns.

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