Sixty-first General Assembly

First Committee

12^th Meeting (PM)

Canada seeks treaty to prevent illicit flow of small arms to conflict areas

As assembly’s disarmament committee receives range of new texts

Implementation of Existing Agreements also Discussed;

Danger of Landmines, Trade in Conventional Weapons Highlighted

In light of the need to strengthen the global regulatory framework governing the transfer of conventional arms, a comprehensive, legally-binding arms trade treaty that prevented the illicit flow of arms to conflict zones should be adopted, the representative of Canada today told the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security), which also received 10 draft texts on other weapons of mass destruction and disarmament aspects of outer space.

He stressed the importance of combating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons while respecting the legitimate rights of lawful firearm producers, exporters, retailers and owners.  He added that Canada remained committed to the implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons.

The representative of Costa Rica, speaking on behalf of Mexico and the Central American Integration System countries, also supported such an instrument on the import, export and transfer of conventional weapons.  He stressed the connection between the illegal trafficking in such weapons and high levels of crime, organized crime and drug traffic.  Adequate regulation of civilian acquisition and possession of small arms and light weapons was needed.  He proposed limiting the type and quantity of weapons that civilians could acquire and possess through strict licensing and permit requirements.

Prasad Kariyawasan, President of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Review Conference, said that such weapons were not immune to the current malaise affecting the multilateral disarmament agenda.  Unless all Member States renewed their confidence in the United Nations as a vehicle to address important disarmament issues at the global level and renew their commitments, “we are bound to see an increasing number of inconclusive United Nations disarmament meetings in the future”, he said.  Despite the failure to agree on an outcome document at the Small Arms Review Conference earlier this year, it was possible to pick up where the Conference had left off.  “The Programme of Action must be understood as a living document subject to global dynamics that change with time”, he said.

The representative of Kenya said that progress had been made toward the goals of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, but it was important not to become complacent.  Members must implement their commitments toward a mine-free world so peoples could go about their everyday lives without risk of loss of life or limb.  He asked delegations to remember that the Convention was a solid instrument based on basic humanitarian considerations, which sought to rid the world of barbaric weapons.  In two years, the first deadline for clearance would come.  The true test of the Convention would be in the manner that requests for extensions were handled.

The thematic debate yesterday on other weapons of mass destruction and disarmament aspects of outer space culminated today in the introduction of 10 draft texts, including a new draft, submitted by the Russian Federation, entitled, “transparency and confidence building measures in outer space activities”, by which the General Assembly would have all States inform the Secretary-General of their specific measures in that regard and have the Secretary-General report on those proposals.

The traditional text on “prevention of an arms race in outer space” was also introduced today by Egypt.  By its terms, the General Assembly would call upon States, particularly those with major space capabilities, to contribute actively to the peaceful use of outer space, prevent an arms race there and refrain from actions contrary to that objective.  It would also reiterate that the Conference on Disarmament had the primary role in negotiating an agreement or agreements on preventing such an arms race and further invite the Conference to complete the examination and update of its mandate and establish an ad hoc committee as early as possible during its 2007 session.

Two drafts were introduced today concerning biological weapons focused on “measures to uphold the authority of the 1925 Geneva Protocol” ( Indonesia, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement) and “Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Biological and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction” ( Hungary).  A draft on “Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction” ( Poland) was also introduced.

The remaining drafts tabled were on “United Nations Study on Education and Disarmament and Non-Proliferation” ( Mexico), “United Nations Disarmament Information Programme” ( Mexico), “Measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction” ( India), “transparency in armaments” ( Netherlands), and “missiles” ( Iran).

The representative of Sudan spoke in the thematic debate on other weapons of mass destruction and disarmament aspects of outer space.

Statements in the thematic debate on conventional weapons were also made by representatives of Finland, on behalf of the European Union, Brazil, China, New Zealand, Mozambique, Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation, as well as Roberto Garcia Moritan, Chairman of the Group of Governmental Experts on the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms.

The Committee will meet again tomorrow, Friday, 13 October, at 3 p.m. to continue its thematic debate on conventional weapons, and to hear the further introduction of draft resolutions and decisions.

Background

The First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) met this afternoon to conclude its thematic discussion on other weapons of mass destruction and the disarmament aspects of outer space, as well as to begin debate on conventional weapons and to hear introductions of further draft resolutions and decisions.

Statements

KHALID MUSA DAFALLA (Sudan) for the Chemical Weapons Committee said that his delegation would do its utmost to make the Sixth Review Conference for the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and of Their Destruction (Chemical Weapons Convention) a success, after the failure of the 2001 Review Conference.  Further, it was vital for the Committee to redouble efforts, and he emphasized the need to revitalize confidence building measures -- possibly through security assurances.  Sudan had played a regional role already by hosting the African Conference on Chemical Weapons in 2003 and he underlined the need to reactivate that role to strengthen cooperation between African states.

Terrorism was a threat to international peace and security, he added.  There was a need to unite efforts and support both the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction (Biological Weapons Convention) and Chemical Weapons Convention.  On the issue of outer space, the risk of its militarization needed to be addressed.  It was imperative to ensure that outer space was preserved for the benefit of all mankind -- not endangered in a manner that would have consequences for life on Earth.  He further stressed that all activities in outer space be devoted to peaceful purposes and in full transparency.

Introduction of Drafts

JAYANT PRASAD ( India) introduced a draft resolution on “Measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction”, which underlined that the international response to the threat needed to be inclusive, multilateral and global.  Besides some technical updates, the resolution reiterated its request to the Secretary-General to compile a report on measures taken by international organizations on issues relating to the linkage between the fight against terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.  That would, thus, equip the General Assembly with system-wide information on the work being done within the United Nations, as well as other bodies on the issue.

MICHIEL HAASBROEK ( Netherlands) introduced a draft resolution on “transparency in armaments” (document A/C.1/61/L.38).  He noted that transparency in military matters contributed to security between governments.  The United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, established in 1991, worked.  The Group of Governmental Experts had made progress, and their recommendations were included in the draft.  What was new was that the 2006 Group of Governmental Experts built on the 2003 one, which paved the way for broadening the Register, the recommitment of the Register and standardized the form for transfers of small arms and light weapons, making notification for States easier.

GYORGY MOLNAR ( Hungary) introduced a draft resolution on the “Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Biological and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction” (document A/C.1/61/l.27).  Given the fact that the Sixth Review Conference was soon to follow, he noted, there was no reference included which would prejudge its outcome, but the draft text did contain updates.

He remarked that the significant participation of the States parties at the meetings of States parties, the meetings of experts to date and the constructive and useful exchange of information was appreciated.  He further welcomed the discussion and the promotion of common understanding and effective action on topics agreed at the Fifth Review Conference.  He added that approval based on consensus remained a priority.  Hungary wished to remain the sponsor and hoped that States would support the resolution again this year.

Introducing a draft on “transparency and confidence building measures in outer space activities” (document A/C.1/61/L.36), ANTON VASILYEV ( Russian Federation) said that ensuring such security and the safe functioning of spacecraft was fundamental.  The use of outer space was acquiring greater and greater importance for humanity and the advantages of spacecraft was an evident benefit for every country.  It was essential to have knowledge of outer space and space transport.  The prevention of accidental or deliberate interference in the normal functioning of spacecraft and non-deployment of weapons in space were vital.  Those measures would assist in the predictability of outer space activity, could become a consolidating factor for all States in relation to outer space and would weaken the motivation to deploy weapons there.

He said that the current draft developed last year’s General Assembly measure A/60/66, which had a similar title, and took a step ahead with the attempt to have all States inform the Secretary-General of their specific measures in that regard and to have the Secretary-General report on those proposals.  It invited further negotiations for all States, whether they had space potential or not.  There had been advances in space technology during the past 13 years and that must be reflected.  The United Nations needed to work on outer space activities.  The current draft was in line with all States without exception, neither limiting their legal rights to self-defence, nor preventing them from entering into the peaceful use of outer space.

TADEUSZ CHOMICKI ( Poland) introduced a draft resolution on the “Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction” (document A/C.1/61/L.19).  He said that Poland had a long tradition with the issue, and the draft introduced several new elements.  Those included reaffirmation of the obligations of States parties to destroy chemical weapons within the provided time limits, and welcoming the appointment of Rogelio Pfirter as Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.  A reference had also been made to the beginning of work on the preparations for the Review Conference and a special emphasis was made on the tenth anniversary of the Convention’s entry into force and the unveiling of a permanent memorial to all victims of chemical weapons.

The draft resolution also stressed the importance of Article VII and Article X in the fight against terrorism -– the first reference in any General Assembly resolution to link the importance of national implementation of a disarmament treaty to the fight against terrorism.  He considered the text of this year’s resolution well-balanced and said that the goal remained to ensure consensus approval.

WITJAKSONO ADJI ( Indonesia), on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, introduced a draft resolution on “measures to uphold the authority of the 1925 Geneva Protocol” (document A/C.1/61/L.5).  He called on all States to strictly observe the Protocol and called on States that had not yet done so to withdraw their reservations to the Protocol, which would positively contribute to achieving complete disarmament under international control.

Introducing a draft on missiles (document A/C.1/61/L.3), sponsored by Egypt, Indonesia and Iran, REZA NAJAFI (Iran) said the draft would request the Secretary-General, with the assistance of a panel of governmental experts, to be established in 2007, to further explore ways and means to address the issues of missiles within the United Nations, including by identifying areas where consensus could be reached, and to submit a report for consideration by the General Assembly.  Unfortunately, the second panel of government experts had ended short of the first panel’s success, and there had been no consensus on a report.  Such a situation showed that dealing with the complex issue of missiles required more preparation, organization and timing on behalf of all.  He said the mandate had been narrowed down to allow experts to be more specific and focused in their discussions.  The two-year time period would give them more time for discussion.  The current resolution was based on 59/67 and had been updated to take into account the recent report of the Secretary-General.

Announcing his intention to submit a draft on “prevention of an arms race in outer space” (document A/C.1/61/L.10), KHALED ABDEL RAHMAN SHAMAA ( Egypt) said that global, legal instruments were the only way to deal with the legal regime governing outer space.  The Conference on Disarmament should look at prevention of an arms race in outer space through a special committee.  What had happened since 1995 had highlighted the need to avoid any arms race in space and current developments should lead to the conclusion of an ad hoc committee to examine the issue.  He supported the efforts of the Russian Federation and China to implement a convention to avoid such an arms race and avoid any threat or use of force there.  Any instrument to halt an arms race in outer space should contain prohibitions on its use for military purposes and contain clear provisions for cooperation, guaranteeing that use was to the benefit of all States, in accordance with the preamble of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.  He called on all States to reach agreement on establishing such a committee, with a view to establishing a legal framework to prevent an arms race in outer space, and to support the resolution, especially in light of the 2006 discussions.

PABLO MACEDO ( Mexico), presenting the fourth draft resolution on the United Nations study on disarmament and non-proliferation, said that education was an effective tool in reinforcing the link between global safety and sustainable development.

The draft text asked the Secretary-General to report on progress made in recommendations contained in the study, so that those could be presented in the future.  It also asked that all information related to this area and available to the Department for Disarmament Affairs be disseminated.  Previously, the resolution had been adopted without a vote and he hoped that consensus could be achieved once again.

The United Nations Disarmament Information Programme had been submitted biannually since 1996, he said.  The text recognized the progress made by the United Nations Secretariat.  He recommended that the Programme be continued, in order to promote the achievement of general and complete disarmament.  He called upon delegations to support this draft resolution and added that both texts were open for further co-sponsorship.

ROBERTO GARCIA MORITAN, Chairman of the Group of Governmental Experts on the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, said that 2003 and 2006 had seen signs of progress in the Register of Conventional Arms, which was an important confidence building measure.  There was a high level of participation.  From the outset, 170 States had participated.  Only 22 States had not yet participated -- 15 of those were from Africa and 7 were from Asia.

When comparing information within the Register to other non-governmental reports, the Committee could note that 97 per cent of the global trade in conventional weapons was covered by the Register.  As of next year, he hoped to see this figure further increase.

He noted that this year, again, specific progress had been made in the category of warships, where tonnage was reduced.  Also important was the voluntary form that States could use to submit reports in a systematic and orderly manner.  The form was divided into two segments -– one on small arms and another on light weapons.  The Register was on the brink of taking additional important steps.  That included the inclusion of new technology used in electronic warfare.  It was also close to including unmanned aerial vehicles.  Furthermore, he hoped to include an eighth category on small arms in the future.

PRASAD KARIYAWASAN, President of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Review Conference, said it was possible to pick up where the review conference had left off and chart a way forward.  Disappointment that the Conference did not agree on an outcome document should not devalue its positive aspects or discourage pursuit of the Programme of Action at national and regional levels.

He said that when he agreed to preside over the Conference, he was aware of the trials and tribulations of that task, handicapped as it was by a lack of progress in the preparation committee.  From the outset, there had been no apparent clarity on views, and there were different interpretations of the scope of the Conference.  A very large number of States had adopted a “work-in-progress” view of the action programme.  There were several unresolved 2001 issues.  Some others preferred the approach of limiting the conference to a straitjacket interpretation of reviewing the agreed Programme of Action.  That group said that since it was in the early stages and far from being fully implemented, the focus should only be on improving the implementation of the Programme. 

He said that, during consultations between March and May, it was clear that there was little or no chance of agreement on two issues that had been omitted in 2001: control of civilian possession and transfers to non-State actors.  The possibility existed for compromise but, in the end, it had not been possible to overcome differences and reach an outcome document.  There were several reasons for that.  Given the current status of the multilateral disarmament agenda, small arms were not immune to its malaise.  Unless all Member States renewed their confidence in the United Nations as a vehicle to address important disarmament issues at the global level and also renewed their commitments, “we are bound to see an increasing number of inconclusive United Nations disarmament meetings in the future”.

Regarding the Programme of Action, he said some issues had been deliberately left out in 2001, in order to reach consensus.  It had been assumed that the Programme of Action was the first step toward eliminating the proliferation of small arms worldwide.  Without addressing several issues, it was not possible to move forward.  “The Programme of Action must be understood as a living document subject to global dynamics that change with time,” he said.  The consensus rule worked best when parties were flexible and willing to compromise.  There had been the establishment of rigid red lines that were not conducive to consensus.  The practice of insisting on unanimity could lead to a veto of the consensus-building process.  A more judicious use of that would have gone a long way toward an outcome document. 

He said the result of the Review Conference was not reason for discouragement.  There had been progress.  Since 2001, hundreds of thousands of weapons had been destroyed, and many national commissions established.  The international community had been made aware of the abominable effect of the small arms and light weapons trade, and several were taking measures to curb it.

EARL TURCOTTE ( Canada) said his country recognized the need to strengthen the global regulatory framework governing the transfer of all conventional arms and fully supported United Nations resolution 60/226 on the transfer of conventional arms.  Canada submitted annual reports and encouraged all countries to do so, pursuant to the resolution.  He said Canada supported, in principle, a comprehensive, legally-binding arms trade treaty that prevented the illicit flow of arms to conflict zones.  Combating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, while respecting the legitimate rights of lawful firearms producers, exporters, retailers and owners, was an important part of Canada’s foreign policy.  It remained committed to full implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, and placed a priority on transfer controls to prevent illicit flows.  Canada was disappointed that States did not agree on an outcome document at the Review Conference on Small Arms and Light Weapons in July.

Canada viewed the potential risks of the misuse of man-portable air defence systems, primarily from a non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament perspective, and would work closely with other States on the issue.  He said concerted action on conventional weapons was well under way, with efforts to eliminate anti-personnel landmines, and noted the Ottawa Convention as a key instrument in that regard.  Canada supported all aspects of mine action and commended the efforts of mine-affected States parties to fulfil their treaty obligations with set deadlines.  He acknowledged the contributions of many donor countries.

In its capacity as coordinator of the Convention’s universalization contact group, he said, Canada was pleased that four countries had ratified the treaty since December 2005, and several others were moving toward accession.  He hoped the Third Review Conference on the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons would produce concrete results and was disappointed by the lack of progress on mines other than anti-personnel landmines.  It will be important to determine the next step as the current mandate of the Explosive Remnants of War working group ended.

KARI KAHILUOTO ( Finland) speaking for the European Union and associated States, said that action against small arms and light weapons had to be intensified.  The European Union was committed to working against the uncontrolled proliferation and misuse of such weapons, and aimed to reduce their unregulated availability in areas of conflict or potential conflict, by promoting strict transfer control and safe destruction of surplus weapons, promoting measures for limitation of demand, and helping affected governments deal with the problem itself and its fundamental causes.  He said the Union had promoted a specific strategy, including a Code of Conduct on Arms Exports, joint action on combating the destabilizing accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons, and a common position requiring introduction of national legislation by each Member State to effectively control brokering.  It had also carried out practical work on the ground, in particular 105 million euros for external assistance programmes from the European Union and European Community, in addition to action financed by Member States in their national programmes.

He said he was deeply disappointed at the inability of the United Nations Programme of Action Review Conference to agree to an outcome document, but said the conference reaffirmed the commitment to the principles of the Programme, and he looked forward to meeting on a biennial basis.  He highlighted the pressing task of fighting the illicit trade in ammunition, and called for addressing the matter in a more comprehensive and active manner.

He said the European Union looked forward to a substantial report from the Group of Government Experts on brokering controls, and called for it to recommend concrete measures to combat the harm caused by unscrupulous illicit arms brokers.  He welcomed the growing support in all parts of the work for an arms trade treaty, and said that binding standards were critical in tackling conventional arms proliferation.

Next, he warned of the lethality of man-portable air defence systems, and said the European Union was working with other States on their destruction, and fully supported strenuous implementation of General Assembly resolutions relating to prevention of their illicit transfer and use.  He declared full commitment of the Union to implementation of the Action Plan agreed to at the Nairobi Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, and called on all States that had not yet done so to ratify or accede to the treaty.  He said from 2003 to 2005, the European Union or its Member States had provided 530 million euros in assistance, and pointed to the Union’s strategy of offering the local populations in the poorest mine-affected countries social, economic and medical assistance.  He attached great importance to the effective implementation of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, and called for the Review Conference of the Convention, in November, to work towards a legally-binding instrument on mines other than anti-personnel mines, as well as work on explosive remnants of war.

CARLOS ANTONIO DA ROCHA PARANHOS (Brazil), speaking on behalf of Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), said that the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons was a problem of great seriousness, thereby requiring the attention of the international community.  It already had serious consequences on various regions in world.

During their last meeting in Brasilia, MERCOSUR countries had exchanged views on the issues of illicit brokering and the strengthening of the cooperation mechanism.  He deplored the lack of results of the First Review Conference on the Implementation of the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons.  There was great need for a follow-up mechanism to that Programme.  It was also imperative to recognize that the issue of small arms was closely linked to the issue of munitions.  He concluded that an international legally-binding instrument on illicit brokering was needed.

Anti-personnel mines also continued to be a source of great concern, he said.   South America was aware of their humanitarian consequences, he noted. They often took civilian lives long after conflicts had ended.  Abiding by its regional and subregional commitments, his delegation was in a gradual phase-out regime leading to the total eradication of anti-personnel mines in accordance with the Ottawa Convention.  Chile had already launched human de-mining programmes this year, while Columbia and Venezuela had likewise experienced much progress on that front.

The representative of Costa Rica, speaking on behalf of Mexico and the Central American Integration System countries, said that those countries faced real threats to national security, as reflected in high crime, organized crime and drug traffic.  The Declaration of Antigua established high standards in the fight to eradicate the illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons.  Expectations of that Declaration had far surpassed those of the Review Conference, particularly due to the lack of agreement on follow-up mechanisms.  The Declaration reflected diverse aspects of priority for the region and recognized the significant fact that almost all members of the Organization of American States members had ratified the inter-American convention against illicit trafficking in firearms munitions. 

He said Costa Rica was committed to implementing the instrument on tracing illicit small arms and light weapons, and to redoubling efforts to develop a legally-binding instrument on munitions.  The Antigua Declaration also recognized that illicit munitions trafficking was linked to small arms and light weapons trafficking.  He supported the adoption of a legally-binding instrument on trade in conventional weapons, covering their import, export and transfer.  The treaty should meet the criteria of transparency and be multilaterally negotiated.  All States should fulfil their obligations under chapter II of the Programme on Stockpile Management and the Destruction of Stockpiles.  Adequate regulation of civilian acquisition and possession of small arms and light weapons was needed through limiting the type and quantity of weapons that civilians could acquire and possess and through strict licensing and permit requirements.

He said that Costa Rica would like to establish a database within the Department of Disarmament Affairs for the publication of best practices on various aspects of the Programme of Action.  He called on Member States and international organizations to address the needs of national authorities that required cooperation and assistance in implementing the Programme of Action.  Most of the issues should be in the final document of the Review Conference.  A lack of political resolve had made it impossible to negotiate.  Not even political will could lay the basis for a follow-up mechanism within the follow-up.  He called on the Committee to resolve the issue of biennial follow-up to review progress made in implementing the Programme of Action and strengthening it.

CHENG JINGYE (China) said that although the 2001 Review Conference on the Implementation of the Programme of Action on Small Arms And Light Weapons had not reached final agreement on an outcome document, the Action Programme was still of great significance to combat the problem of small arms and light weapons.  China stood ready to further cooperate to promote full and effective implementation to remove that threat.

On illicit brokering, China noted that new initiatives had been put forward, he said.  While each country needed to regulate small arms and light weapons domestically, it was necessary that all parties have in-depth discussions on such issues and identify work on the basis of consensus.  The United Nations Register served as a transparency mechanism, thereby enhancing confidence, and China had already increased the operational flexibility of the Register.

China supported the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, he said. On landmines, his Government knew the dangers concerned and saw the need to find a proper solution.   China had been active in that area, offering demining assistance globally, including through the donation of demining equipment to Lebanon.

DON MACKAY ( New Zealand) said the humanitarian impact of conflict needed to be mitigated.  It was imperative to adopt a legally-binding instrument on cluster munitions.  It was important to consider the problematic and persistent nature of failed cluster munitions, the use of cluster munitions in areas of concentrated civilian populations and the indiscriminate attacks targeted at civilians.

On mines and anti-personnel mines, he said recent events and post-conflict situations had shown that further action needed to be taken.  On small arms, he expressed disappointment at the inability of the 2001 Review Conference to reach agreement on an outcome document.  While it was important not to underestimate the importance of State sovereignty, further global action was warranted on the subject of small arms and light weapons.

He said he strongly supported the United Kingdom’s initiative to launch discussions on the Arms Trade Treaty, and welcomed a draft resolution thereon.  He also looked forward to a report on brokering, as that too, would help maintain momentum on small arms and light weapons over 2007.

The representative of Kenya said that the prohibition of mines and their destruction had made progress towards the goals of the Nairobi action plan.  There were now 151 states in the Mine Ban Convention, providing hope for universalization.  It was important not to become complacent in the face of recent successes.  Members must implement their commitments towards a mine-free world, so that peoples could go about their everyday lives without risk of loss of life or limb.  He appealed to States to fulfil their obligations to assist those afflicted by landmines.

He said that the positive momentum since Nairobi through the seventh meeting of States parties should be sustained.  More efforts were needed to ensure full universalization of the Convention.  Member States needed assistance in fulfilling their obligations to destroy stockpiles and clear mines.  In two years, the first deadline for clearance would come.  The true test of the Convention would be in the manner that requests for extensions were handled.

He asked delegations to remember that the Convention was a solid instrument based on basic humanitarian considerations, which sought to rid the world of barbaric weapons.  He strongly encouraged Member States to adhere to conventions and urged other States that not yet acceded to do so.

FILIPE CHIDUMO (Mozambique), aligning itself with statements made on behalf of the Southern African Development Community, the African Group and the Non-Aligned Movement, said that today’s main challenge was to curb the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, as it constituted a threat to peace, security and development in many countries, especially in Africa.  Despite a recent failure, Mozambique continued to attach great importance to the eradication of those weapons, and reiterated the continued relevance of the Programme of Action.

The implementation of the Programme remained a key element in supporting prevention and the resolution of conflicts, as well as in promoting long-term security and stability to create the environment for sustainable development in developing countries.

On the national level, he said, Mozambique -- with help from South Africa -- had implemented a structured special operation in 1995, aimed at identifying, recovering and destroying hidden caches of firearms.  That had led to the destruction of about 30,000 different types of firearms and more than 1 million items of ammunition and related material.  On the regional level, the South African Development Community was in the process of implementing the Protocol on the Control of Firearms, Ammunition and Other Related Materials.

HONG-GHI CHOI ( Republic of Korea) said the widespread availability of small arms was severely destabilizing in many regions of the world.  It was putting peace, security and development at risk, while serving as a catalyst to armed conflict, supporting criminal activity and causing tragic human suffering.  On the 2001 Review Conference on the Implementation of the Programme of Action, he hoped that this session would both breathe new life into it and demonstrate the Committee’s collective commitment to fully implement it.

He also expressed support for the initiative for an international instrument to control international arms transfers.  He noted that legal transfers were sometimes used as cover for illegal transactions, especially of small arms and light weapons.  To address that, he said, an effective, transparent system of controls over international arms transfers was a prerequisite.  He added that a good place to start would be the establishment of a governmental experts group to further examine this concept.

He commended the Governmental Experts Group on its agreement to expand the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms and the decision to reduce the minimum size of warships from 750 to 500 metric tons.  On the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, his Government had faithfully implemented the principles of the Convention, and had participated in strengthening the regime.  On the issue of mines other than anti-personnel mines, he voiced concern over negotiations having stalled, while supporting the idea of a legally-binding instrument addressing the inhumane effects of those mines.

The representative of the Russian Federation said that the uncontrolled proliferation of small arms and light weapons was most acute in developing countries.  It was difficult to dispute the link between the intensity of armed conflicts and poverty, violations of human rights, mobilization of child soldiers and cross-border crime.  The essence of the issue was the illicit trade in small weapons, which provided a way for terrorist organizations, criminal elements and Governments of States under Security Council embargoes to receive such weapons.  The United Nations Register of Conventional Weapons was an important institution for strengthening confidence in the security of international weapons.  His country regularly submitted data for the register and wanted man-portable air defence systems included in it.

He said that the further development of the Register must take into account such aims as its universalization.  Illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons not only continued, but had become more acute.  The Review Conference had not been without results; all States participating confirmed their adherence to the Programme of Action.  It was important to expand joint efforts in preventing illicit trade with emphasis on specific national and regional problems.

He said that, in the anti-terror context, it was especially important to control man-portable air defence systems, which were a direct threat to civil aviation.  His country was working on that issue with its Commonwealth of Independent States partners.  It was understandable that other States were putting order into the legal trade on weapons, so that they did not feed the black market or result in destabilization.  The proposal to draft an international instrument on the small weapons trade needed attention.  Such work was justified if it aimed at stopping illicit trade and had specific measures to prevent terrorist access.  The United Nations should work to put order into the legal production and export of weapons, which would exclude piracy, output under expired licenses and re-export without authorization 

He said the basic shortcoming of existing institutions on the weapons trade was their low level of effectiveness and universality.  It would be logical to try to squeeze everything possible out of existing instruments and only then draft new ones.  The Hague Code of Conduct should work to maximum effect.  States parties should fulfil their obligations.  The Code and the United Nations should have a central role in non-proliferation of missiles, without new dividing lines being created.  For that reason, the Code should be adapted to promote adherence by significant States from a missile standpoint. 

He said the Russian Federation wanted a world free of landmines and was not opposed to joining the Ottawa Convention in a reasonable time frame, but only when it was certain it could fulfil its obligations.  For that to occur, it needed to solve a range of military, technological and economic problems.  His country’s real contribution to mine disarmament was its large-scale work to reduce stocks of munitions.  It was also working to eliminate 10 million of the most dangerous types of mines, using effective and safe environmental technology.

He expressed concern about European control of armed forces.  The delay in entry into force of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe was not the Russian Federation’s fault.  It had fulfilled all its agreements.  The treaty had become out of date and lost touch with reality.  Its limits were watered down after the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).  Results of the Third Review Conference were not satisfactory, and neither was the treaty itself.  The Russian Federation would decide on implementing the Treaty.

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