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Disarmament DocumentationBack to Disarmament Documentation Third Meeting of CCW States Parties, Geneva, December 12-13'States Parties to Conventional Weapons Convention Conclude Third Meeting - Work Approved for 2003', United Nations Press Release DC/2850, December 13. The Third Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects (CCW) concluded today with States parties confirming their commitment to take further action with the aim of strengthening the Convention and agreeing on follow-up work for its Group of Governmental Experts in 2003. The session adopted the report of the Group of Governmental Experts, which recommends a mandate for two respective working groups, namely on the issue of Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), and the issue of mines other than anti-personnel mines (MOTAPM). On the issue of ERW, the meeting decided to begin negotiations on a legally binding instrument next year. The mandate provided contains, in one part, a negotiating mandate on post-conflict remedial measures, and, in another part, a mandate on further exploration of preventive measures. Meanwhile, on the issue of MOTAPM, the meeting decided to continue to further explore the issue in 2003. In addition, the meeting decided to continue examination of the issue of compliance with the Convention and its Protocols. Agreement was also achieved on the consideration of small-calibre weapons and ammunition. The meeting invited interested States parties to continue informal meetings at the expert level on that issue. The meeting decided to re-designate Ambassador Rakesh Sood of India as Chairman of the Meeting of the States Parties in 2003, and reappointed Ambassador Chris Sanders of the Netherlands as Coordinator on ERW and Peter Kolarov of Bulgaria as Coordinator on MOTAPM. The Group of Governmental Experts will hold its first session in 2003 from 10-12 March, its second session from 16-27 June, and its third session from 17-24 November. The Fifth Annual Conference of States Parties to Amended Protocol II of the Convention was scheduled for 26 November, which will be followed by the Meeting of the States Parties from 27-28 November 2003. ... Note: on December 12, the following message from UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan was delivered to the meeting - "Since the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons was signed in 1980, it has remained deeply relevant to States and peoples alike. The humanitarian principles embodied by the Convention are timeless, unaffected by technological changes, strategic realignments, or new ways of waging war. The Convention is a living instrument that can be adjusted and updated to keep abreast of new developments. I am pleased that the States Parties to the Convention have thus far succeeded in doing just that, notably during last year's milestone Second Review Conference. The expansion of the Convention to cover not only conflicts of an international character, but also internal armed conflicts, was a timely and warranted step in the right direction. Efforts to reinforce the international norm established by the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, namely, on the aspects of Explosive Remnants of War and Mines Other Than Anti-Personnel Mines, are currently evident through the work of the Group of Governmental Experts. The meetings of the Group provide the necessary forum for States Parties to address the military, technical and economic complexities involved. With regard to Mines Other Than Anti-Personnel Mines, the wealth of material now on the negotiating table provides the foundation for a consensus that reflects the interests and concerns of the absolute majority of States. I am confident that the Group of Governmental Experts will resolve its differences on outstanding issues as soon as possible. The Convention saves lives and reduces suffering while protecting the security interests of the States Parties, and does not impose significant economic burdens on its members. Therefore, it is unfortunate that to date there are still only 89 States Parties. I urge you to consider practical steps that could be taken to encourage more accessions in the near future. And I strongly encourage you to use this Meeting of States Parties to ensure that the Convention remains strong, healthy and effective at the outset of its third decade of operation. Please accept my best wishes for the success of the Meeting of States Parties." ('Secretary-General urges meeting of States parties to ensure Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons Remains Healthy, Effective', UN Press Release SG/SM/8560, December 12. © 2002 The Acronym Institute. |