United Nations WORKSHOP on Implementing Security Council Resolution PROHIBITING

MASS DESTRUCTION WEAPONS PROLIFERATION, in amman, 4-5 september

NEW YORK, 31 August (Office for Disarmament Affairs) -- A United Nations workshop on “Implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004)” is being held on 4-5 September in Amman, Jordan.  The workshop is hosted by the Government of Jordan, organized by the Office for Disarmament Affairs and sponsored by the European Union and the Governments of Norway and the United States.

Approximately 60 representatives from governmental sectors, as well as international, regional and non-governmental organizations will participate.  The workshop aims at promoting steps to improve implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions 1540 (2004) and 1673 (2006) in the Arab region, in particular focusing on import and export controls and assistance.  The framework of the Workshop will also promote greater cooperation and collaboration between participating States and key organizations.

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, and their means of delivery, including by establishing appropriate controls over related materials and adopting legislative measures in that respect.

The 1540 Committee was established pursuant to the resolution and Member States were thus called upon to report to it on steps they had taken or intended to take, to implement the resolution.  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 Gabriele Kraatz-Wadsack at tel.:  212 963 3633.

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For information media • not an official record