UN Seminar on Implementing Security Council Resolution 1540 in Latin America,

Caribbean, Taking Place in Lima, Peru, 27 – 28 November

NEW YORK, 24 November (Department for Disarmament Affairs) -- A United Nations seminar, entitled “Implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) in Latin America and the Caribbean”, is being held in Lima, Peru, 27-28 November.  The seminar is hosted by the Government of Peru and organized by the Department for Disarmament Affairs, through its Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, and sponsored by the European Union and the Government of Spain.

Approximately 50 participants from governmental sectors, mainly from Latin America and the Caribbean, international, regional and subregional organizations will participate. They will address, among other things, the current status of implementation of Security Council resolution 1540 in the region; exchange views on national and regional implementation experiences, and discuss action plans and the setting of priorities for implementation, as well as assistance and cooperation requirements.

On 28 April 2004, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1540 under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, deciding that all States refrain from supporting by any means non-State actors that attempt to acquire, use or transfer nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their delivery systems.  Resolution 1540 imposes binding obligations on all States to establish domestic controls to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, their means of delivery, including by establishing appropriate controls over related materials, and adopting legislative measures in that respect.

On 27 April 2006, the Security Council extended the mandate of the 1540 Committee for two years with the adoption of Security Council resolution 1673 (2006), which reiterated the objectives of resolution 1540 (2004) and decided to intensify its efforts to promote the full implementation of the resolution.

For further information, contact:  Mr. Thomas Markram at markram@un.org or 212-963-0008

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For information media • not an official record