United Nations (UN)

UN First Committee General Debate: September 30-November 1

VI. Conventional Weapons, Small Arms and Landmines

Argentina (Luis E. Cappagli, October 2): Taking as a framework the plan of action adopted by the [UN] conference [on small arms]...there are disarmament programmes being implemented or prepared which have as a goal the prevention and reduction of urban violence as well as the non-proliferation of firearms. In the subregional level, in March of this current year the second meeting of the group of arms [experts] of MERCOSUR, Bolivia and Chile...took place in Buenos Aires reaffirming its central objective...[to act as a] subregional mechanism...[to] follow-up both the Inter-American Convention and the...[UN] plan of action... Argentina completely shares the objectives consecrated in the...[Ottawa] Convention and has worked towards its universalisation and application... Argentina hopes that the next review conference of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons [CCW] will be an occasion to reinforce this legal instrument... In this sense, it is to be hoped that the result of the work of the working groups may constitute an answer to the problem of the remains of explosive war materials as well as other weapons of indiscriminate effects.

Armenia (Movses Abelian, October 10): Combating small arms proliferation is a...matter of priority for the Armenian government, which is attested by Armenia's success in establishing strict state control over the small arms and light weapons on its territory. ... Armenia supports the [Ottawa] Convention and reaffirms its readiness to take measures consistent with [its] provisions... However...Armenia's full participation in the Ottawa Convention is contingent upon a similar level of political commitment by the other states in the region.

ASEAN (U Mya Than (Myanmar), October 9): The ASEAN countries...[express the hope that the Small Arms] Programme of Action...would be implemented effectively. At the same time, we regret that the Conference failed to achieve agreement on two core issues...i.e., strict control over private ownership of small arms and prevention of supplies of small arms to non-state groups. However, we should [also] like to underline the right of self-defence of states... [W]e join the call made by the Secretary-General of the United nations on member states to redouble their efforts to work on a ban supplying small arms to non-state actors. ... We look forward to the Biennial Meeting...in 2003, and to the Review Conference to take stock of progress made and to consider further and more effective measures... We express our preference for convening the Biennial Meeting in New York in July 2003.

Australia (Michael Smith, October 7): In the area of small arms and light weapons, Australia has been active in promoting implementation of the 2001 UN Programme of Action in our region. We urge all states to continue efforts towards implementation [of] the Programme of Action in the lead up to the first biennial meeting of states scheduled for mid-2003. The Ottawa Convention...continues to grow in strength... Australia calls on those states which have yet to accede to do so as soon as possible, and to refrain from using anti-personnel mines in the interim. We welcome Thailand's plans to host the meeting of states parties next September. This will assist in raising the profile of landmines issues in the Asia-Pacific [region]... Australia was pleased with the positive outcomes achieved at the Second Review Conference of the [CCW] last December. Work this year at the experts level has demonstrated the adverse humanitarian consequences of explosive remnants of war (ERW) and we feel confident that states will agree to raise the tempo of consideration of ERW next year.

Bahrain (Sheikh Turki bin Rashid Al Khalifa, October 9): My delegation...welcomes all the steps that could lead to progress in implementation of the [UN Small Arms] Programme of Action... We particularly welcome the regional initiatives that aim at the elimination of that trafficking, which fans the flames of wars and conflicts.

Belarus (Aleg Ivanov, October 10): Our country welcomes the [UN Small Arms] Programme of Action... Belarus takes the necessary steps to prevent and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms... On July 15, 2002 President...Alexander Lukashenko signed the decree "On Fulfilling by the Republic of Belarus of International Obligations Following the OSCE Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons". ... Our country does not produce anti-personnel landmines. In 1995...Belarus joined the de facto international moratorium on the export of anti-personnel landmines. lacking the necessary financial and technological resources, the Republic of Belarus at present is not ready to join the 1997 [Ottawa] Convention...but has been considering a possibility of joining the...Convention in future, in the context of receiving international financial and technological assistance for demining and APL stockpile elimination activities. The Republic of Belarus is ready to start cooperation on demining and APL stockpile elimination...with all interested parties and welcomes any related proposals and initiatives.

Brazil (Celina Assumpcao, October 9): For Brazil, the results of the UN Conference on Small Arms...are positive. We now have the real challenge of implementing the Program of Action. Thanks to the early implementation of the provisions contained in the Inter-American Convention Against Illicit Traffic of Firearms, Ammunitions and Explosives, which entered into force in 1999, the main provisions contained in the Program of Action are already in place in Brazil. We expect other states to implement it in full. There are, nonetheless, provisions which require further international discussions. Brazil welcomes the establishment of a Group of Experts on marking and tracing, whose report will constitute one of the basic documents of the First Biannual Follow-Up Meeting of [the] Conference...in 2003. We sincerely expect that we will advance towards an internationally legally binding instrument that enables states to trace illicit weapons. ... Brazil maintains its firm commitment to the Ottawa Convention...[and] reiterates its concern with the [lack of] universalisation... Even though the overall membership has reached the impressive mark of 126 countries, there are still key mine holder countries that remain outside the Convention.

Burkina Faso (Michel Kafando, October 4): On small arms and light weapons...despite the adoption of national measures, there had been a recurrence of that phenomenon, particularly in Africa, which threatened the stability of States.

Cameroon (Martin Chungong Ayafor, October 10): The 2001 [small arms] programme of action was an important marker towards control of that worldwide scourge. ... Tomorrow, his delegation would preside over the Security Council's debate on the small arms question. That would be a further opportunity to take stock of the work done and explore possible new approaches. ... Cameroon ratified the Ottawa Convention on 19 September.

Canada (Christopher Westdal, September 30): It remains the responsibility of each state to work towards the implementation of the UN Programme of Action [on small arms], which could protect millions around the world. Its implementation will also depend on sustained multilateral and regional cooperation, concerted political will and real resources. ... [I]n a few weeks, we will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Ottawa Convention... One hundred and twenty nine states are now on board, including many of the most mine-affected countries in the world. We want every state to join. And we want to sustain focus and action on the Convention's core humanitarian objectives: mine clearance, stockpile destruction, mine-risk education, and help for survivors. We are determined as well to deal with other explosive remnants of war. Last December, states party to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons took a key step forward, extending the scope of the Convention to armed conflict within, as well as between, states. I am pleased to say that Canada was the first state formally to accept this amendment. We hope other High Contracting parties will follow suit, bringing the amended provisions into early force. And we urge that they join us and many others in establishing a negotiating mandate on explosive remnants of war at this December's CCW meeting.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM - Stafford Neil of Jamaica, October 7): World military expenditures have been increasing since 1998, reversing the trend of reduction over the previous 10 years. For the year 2001, there was a significant increase which is even expected to exceed the estimate provided by SIPRI [Stockholm International Peace Research Institute] of $839 billion. SIPRI notes that important changes in the size and structure of the armaments industry have occurred since the early nineties, resulting from increased concentration and internationalisation of arms production, an increased level of privatisation and commercialisation, and increased emphasis on exports to compensate for reduced domestic procurement. These are consistent with overall trends in globalisation, which increases the danger of proliferation from the reduced transparency and accountability which make export controls more difficult. ... The urgency for effective implementation of the [small arms] Programme of Action...continues to be emphasised by CARICOM member states. The provision of material and technical support for training and monitoring mechanisms to control the illicit traffic in small arms and light weapons assumes greater importance every day. It is increasingly clear that the inter-linkage between the traffic in illicit arms and light weapons, the drug trade, terrorism , and organised crime, poses serious challenges to social security, stability and economic development in the CARICOM subregion. We need an effective regime to control the supply of small arms to developing countries and in particular to countries in situations of conflict. Of great concern is the inadequacy of existing regulation and the relative ease with which small arms can be bought and sold and enter the contraband trade. CARICOM therefore continues to support the establishment of a system of transfer controls in the jurisdiction of the producer countries which would allow for registration and the marking and tracing of weapons sold. The work undertaken by the Department of Disarmament Affairs in conjunction with other relevant United nations departments and agencies in implementation of the Programme of Action has been significant. We particularly welcome the intention expressed by the Department to establish a Small [Arms] Advisory Service to assist in the implementation of the Programme of Action. Special mention should also be made of the work undertaken by the Regional Centre for [Peace and] Disarmament in Latin America and the Caribbean, which has been active in its promotion of the Programme of Action. It is hoped that the necessary resources will be found to continue its work.

Chile (Cristian Maquieira, October 10): [Chile] voiced support for the programme of action adopted by the United Nations Conference on small arms. ... [T]he first regional experts' workshop to propose methods of evaluation of the Conference had already been held at the Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

China (Hu Xiaodi, October 1): It is of great significance to fully implement the [small arms] Programme of Action and to facilitate the early entry-into-force of the Firearms Protocol [to the UN Convention against transnational Organized Crimes]. We are pleased that the UN Governmental Experts Group on Small Arms is currently examining the issue of identification and tracing of illegal small arms. ... We welcome the successful conclusion of the Second CCW Review Conference at the end of last year. We also welcome the decisions adopted at the Conference to amend Article I of the Convention by expanding the scope of application of the CCW [to internal as well as international conflicts] and to establish a Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) to further explore issue such as the Explosive Remnants of War. After two sessions of the GGE this year, parties re converging on some aspects of the ERW issue. ... In 2002, China has earmarked about $3 million for international demining cooperation, which is mainly used for mine clearance assistance to Eritrea and Lebanon. ... We are also willing to cooperate with other states and international organisations to make contributions to the strengthening of international demining efforts.

Colombia (Alfonso Valdivieso, October 10): The results of the Fourth Conference of States Parties to the Ottawa Convention...continue to point a marked reduction in the exports of these devices and in the number of countries producing them, a significant increase in the number of mines destroyed and a significant reduction in the number of victims. However, there is still an urgent need to finally achieve universality for the Convention and the participation of those who are today the largest producers of this type of mines. With regard to the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, the statistics issued by the "Small Arms Survey" of 2002 are impressive regarding the dimension of the problem and its negative effects on international peace and security. There are already 639 million of these arms in the world and 60% are illicit. During the 90s these arms have killed almost 4 million civilians, most of them women and children, and have forcefully displaced tens of millions of people, also most of them women and children. With these very good reasons the Secretary General of the UN has affirmed that in the reality of today's world, the small arms and light weapons are truly mass destruction weapons. Tomorrow the Security Council will hold an open meeting about the role of the Council in preventing, combating and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. We will debate on the base of the report of the Secretary General on Small Arms, submitted pursuant a Security Council's Presidential Statement approved on August 31, 2001, when Colombia was the President of the Council. We invite all Member States to participate in this debate on the issue in situations under the consideration of the Council. In the context of the General Assembly, Colombia had the honour to preside over the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade...and since last year, with Japan and South Africa, is the primary sponsor of the draft resolution on this issue. We are also actively participating in the Group of Governmental Experts established to undertake a study on the possibility of developing an international instrument to identify and trace small arms and light weapons. This year's draft resolution decides to convene for July 2003 the first of the biennial meetings stipulated in the Programme of Action, considers further steps to enhance international cooperation against illicit brokering of these arms, and encourages the mobilisation of resources and expertise to promote the implementation of the Programme of Action. Colombia considers this last issue a fundamental one because the developed world has not yet fulfilled its commitments under Section III of the Programme on international cooperation and assistance. We invite all Member States to cosponsor this draft resolution and to work towards the full implementation of the measures contained in the Programme of Action at the national, regional and global levels; the promotion of the international co-operation and assistance that States require to implement the measures, and towards ensuring adequate follow-up to the Conference.

Republic of the Congo (Basile Ikouebe, October 3): The disarmament community should...pay [close] attention to the 2001 Programme of Action on small arms, since that category of weapons was responsible for the major loss of human life recorded around the world. At the recent meeting of States parties to the Ottawa Convention, it was decided that efforts should be stepped up to achieve the humanitarian goals of the Convention, which affected many peoples, especially in Africa. In Angola, for example, which was emerging from a murderous war, Angolans today had to face the threat of mines all over their territory. Congo, a neighbour also emerging from war, attached great interest to that issue.

Costa Rica (Bruno Stagno, October 2): [I]t [was] ironic that 98 States represented in the room spoke of peace, while simultaneously maintaining arms industries that depended on war for their very existence. It was also disturbing that only 22 of those 98 States made their weapons sales and transfers transparent. ... [T]he Conference on Disarmament was not doing enough to alleviate those problems. ... Given the high numbers of civilian deaths and child soldiers in conflicts throughout the world, he was saddened that of 138 countries providing information to the 2001 Human Rights Report, 51 devoted more resources to their militaries than to addressing educational and medical issues. ... [Costa Rica] supported the Ottawa Convention and the international ethical code for the transfer of arms, an instrument that would prohibit the transfer of military materials and personnel and eliminate financial and logistical support to States whose military or police forces engaged in human rights violations.

Croatia (Vice Skracic, October 3): At the Second Review Conference of the CCW...Croatia fully supported proposals for extending the scope of the Convention to internal conflicts...as well as supporting the establishment of an open-ended Group of Governmental Experts...to discuss ways and means to address the issue of Explosive Remnants of War and to further explore the issue of mines other than anti-personnel mines. [O]n ERW issues we support the...[need for a] systemic resolution of this humanitarian problem through the establishment of a legally binding instrument. Even though more work is certainly needed on issues such as definitions..., the role of international humanitarian law..., as well as defining whose role it is to warn the civilian population and to clean ERWs following a conflict, we believe that the time is ripe for us to proceed with a negotiating mandate on this issue. ... Croatia still holds the view that mines other than anti-personnel mines do not present the same humanitarian problem that anti-personnel mines do. They are not deployed in the same quantities that APMs are, and because of their size and material content are easier to detect. We support efforts in the framework of the Group of Experts to make all mines other than anti-personnel mines detectable, as well as raising the efficiency of self-deactivation/self-neutralisation or self-destruction facilities in all mines other than anti-personnel mines, be it through a new or an existing legal instrument. ... In regard to Ottawa Convention obligations, Croatia wishes to inform [the Committee] that it plans to fulfil its Article IV obligation to destroy its stockpiles of APLs on...October 23, 2002. ... Moreover, Croatia is planning to hold a 'Seminar on Humanitarian Mine Action: Progress Under the Mine Ban Treaties' directly following the stockpile destruction event. ... As the Ottawa Convention (Article V) provides that mined areas need to be clear within a 10-year time span, we feel that this is an issue that needs constant attention. We should also like to mention that the Croatian Mine Action (CROMAC) has been active in helping to develop International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), mainly in the field of general and humanitarian demining standards and guidelines. As part of its national efforts on the Small Arms Convention, the government of Croatia adopted a "Farewell to Arms" programme, aimed at allowing its citizens the opportunity to return small arms and light weapons retained following the armed conflict in Croatia in 1991-95. Thus far, the initiative has proven to be highly successful, with over 1,639,000 mines and other explosive ordnance, 33,440 automatic and semi-automatic firearms, over 5,800 kilograms of military grade and other explosives, and 3,750,000 pieces of ammunition of various calibre being handed over. The vast majority of the explosive ordnance and small arms/light weapons handed in have already been destroyed under the supervision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Due to its success, the initiative has been extended to the end of December 2002. [A]s part of its National Security Strategy, adopted in March 2002, Croatia has expressed its readiness and interest in further modernising its national legislation in terms of import/export controls through acceding to other international arrangements in the field of arms control. This includes acceding to the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA)...on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies, the Australia Group...on limiting the transfer of equipment used in the production of chemical or biological weapons agents, as well as the Missile Technology Control Regime...formed in 1987 by the G-7 economic partners.

Cuba (Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, October 1): Despite the end of the Cold War, military expenditures continue to increase on an accelerated basis... How much could be achieved worldwide if only a part of the $849 billion that are currently used annually on military expenditures, almost half of the figure by only one country, were invested in the assistance of 815 million hungry people, 1.2 billion people in abject poverty, 854 million illiterate adults and 2.4 billion people without basic sanitation or the 40 million human beings sick or having contracted the AIDS virus. ... Thus, Cuba restates the proposal of agreeing, as an immediate step, that 50% of what is currently earmarked for military spending be channelled to a fund available to the UN for sustainable development.

Cyprus (Yiorgos Christofides, October 10): Cyprus is an original signatory to the Ottawa Convention and I wish to reiterate in this respect that, despite the continuing foreign occupation of almost 40% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, and against a background of a constant threat posed by some 40,000 occupation troops stationed on the island, we are currently exerting all efforts to complete the ratification process before the end of the year. We are doing so as an expression of our determination to join the international community in its efforts to eliminate this totally inhumane method of warfare.

Dominican Republic (Juan Ramon Gonzalez, October 7): [The Dominican Republic] expressed concern over the traffic and possession of small arms. ... [I]n order to combat such weapons...[the Dominican Republic] was reinforcing its borders, demanding increased vigilance from its customs agents, educating its population about the dangers of small arms, and attempting to improve the lives of its citizens.

Ecuador (Fernando Yepez Lasso, October 2): [Ecuador] recognized the link between disarmament and social development and lent full support to the Ottawa Convention. ... [S]ince signing a peace treaty with Peru...[Ecuador's] defence expenditures had decreased significantly. Nevertheless, Ecuador would continue to provide information for the United Nations Registry of Conventional Arms.

Egypt (Alaa Issa, October 7): With regard to small arms and light weapons, it is important to recall the responsibility of states individually, and where possible regionally, to work towards implementation of the UN Programme of Action adopted in 2001. This is particularly important as we approach the 2003 meeting to assess progress...

European Union (Danish Ambassador Erling Harild Nielsen, September 30): The European Union played an active part in the 2001 United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons... The European Union stresses the need for prompt implementation of the Un Programme of Action... The European union had hoped for a stronger Programme of Action on certain points. Therefore, the European Union is committed to an effective, ambitious and continuous follow-up process leading through the 2003 and 2005 Conferences to the next Review Conference in 2006. ... The European Union Joint Action on small arms and light weapons constitutes the overall framework of the EU policy... In July 2002, its scope of application was extended to include ammunition. The EU intends to carry on its support in aid of affected states aiming at, inter alia, collection and destruction of small arms and light weapons. ... Responsibility in arms transfer policy is essential in addressing the small arms problem. The Code of Conduct on Arms Exports, approved by the EU Council on 8 June 1998, establishes criteria for conventional arms transfers and provides for consultation procedures to promote convergence of national arms export policies. The European union each year publishes a report on the application of the Code by member states. This year's report will be marked by increased transparency through better and more comprehensive statistical data and a compendium of agreed practices relating to the Code. Among the items covered are exports of equipment for humanitarian purposes, control of arms brokering activities, requirements of end-user certificates, transit, and the production of military goods under licence. The European Union underlines the importance of the UN Register of Conventional Arms, which this year has its tenth anniversary... The Union reiterates its call on all states to submit timely returns of their imports and exports to the Register, including...information on military holdings and procurement through national production. The EU also reiterates its support for an expanded Register, for its scope to be extended as quickly as possible, and for its universalisation. ... The EU urges non-signatories to accede to the [Ottawa] Convention without delay. ... Furthermore, the European Union calls upon non-state actors as well to abide by the principles of the Convention and abide by them. The Convention lays down strict time limits for the destruction of stocks and the clearance of mined areas. Even though the Convention gives some flexibility, we must all do our utmost to achieve the objectives within the set deadlines of the Convention. ... The European Union will...give priority to directing its [mine action] aid towards those states parties that put the Convention's principles and objectives into practice. Apart from some exemptions in the Convention, the European Union regards the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines, whatever the context or reasons, as banned by the Convention. By pledging a total of EUR 240 million in support of mine action for the period 2002-2009, the European union stands ready to contribute to anti-personnel mine efforts. ... During the Second [CCW] Review Conference last year, the states parties were able to agree upon several important steps. The most important of these steps was...the extension of the Convention's scope of application to cover not only international armed conflicts but also conflicts not of an international character. The EU is highly satisfied with this achievement. In our opinion it is therefore of utmost importance that all states parties adhere to the Amended Article I as soon as possible. Another achievement was the establishment of a Group of Governmental Experts to consider further measures to address the issues of "Explosive Remnants of War [ERW" and "Mines Other than Anti-Personnel Mines" and "options to Promote Compliance with the CCW". On the substance, a number of proposals and ideas have already been formulated throughout the meetings of the Group this year. These ideas will have to be examined at the Meeting of the States parties to the CCW in December 2002. The EU is particularly concerned by the serious problems caused by the "explosive remnants of war"... It is therefore the strong wish of the EU that the Group of Governmental Experts on ERW would soon be able to start negotiating a legally binding instrument. Furthermore, the EU remains concerned about the serious humanitarian problems caused by the irresponsible use of anti-vehicle (AV) mines as well as the use of sensitive types of AV mines for which appropriate measures should be considered in order to reduce the risks these types of weapons might pose to civilians. The EU supports the development of a legally binding instrument that should include provisions of detectability and technological improvements of remotely-delivered AV mines.

Ghana (Yaw O. Osei, October 10): The menace posed by small arms and light weapons to many developing countries is a matter of deep concern. ... Ghana looks forward to joining other delegations at next year's biennial review of the [Small Arms] Programme of Action to assess follow-up activities at national and sub-regional levels...

Guinea (Alpha Oumar Diallo, October 10): [Guinea noted] the presence of some 65 million small arms in global circulation, fueling more than 20 conflicts... Thus, national, regional and international measures to combat the illicit traffic of small arms must be strengthened and the 2001 programme of action implemented. ... [Guinea] was pleased at the extension in 2001 of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) moratorium. Anti-personnel land mines were another scourge, resulting in unspeakable human suffering and impediments to development. Demining operations in stricken areas must be accelerated. Unfortunately, funds were currently lacking to improve medical aid to mine victims and assist in their reintegration.

Haiti (Betrand Fils-Aimé, October 4): [S]mall arms and light weapons were especially dangerous because of the ease in transporting and using them and he encouraged regional and subregional efforts to curb their traffic. It was unfortunate that large portions of national budgets were still devoted to military expenditures. Over-arming did not foster development or promote security...

Holy See (Archbishop Renato R. Martino, October 1): The cooperation among governments, including the military, humanitarian organisations and other representatives of civil society in implementing the Landmines Convention has been exemplary in building up trust and goodwill among all concerned groups. The physical or ideological distance between concerned groups or similar difficulties facing disarmament activities need not be an insurmountable obstacle.

India (Rakesh Sood, October 7): The Second Review Conference of the [CCW achieved]...success by expanding the scope of the Convention to cover non-international armed conflicts and by establishing a Group of Governmental Experts to address the issue of Explosive Remnants of War and Mines Other Than Anti-Personnel Mines (MOTAPM). India has been an active participant in the process, having ratified all its Protocols, including the Amended Protocol on landmines. As the designate Chair of the Meeting of States Parties later this year, we hope to carry forward the current work in a realistic manner. ... The work of the Panel on Small Arms and Light Weapons dealing with the issue of marking and record-keeping for the tracing of illicit arms has commenced its work this year. We appreciate the confidence reposed in the election of India by acclamation as Chairman of the Panel and hope to successfully complete the task assigned to it with the cooperation of all the members of the panel.

Indonesia (Nugroho Wisnumurti, October 4): It is gratifying to note that total global arms sales are at their lowest since 1997. Many developing countries have curtailed their expenditures on weapons which can be utilised for socio-economic development. ... My delegation wishes to inform member states that a seminar in Bali will be held in February 2003 to consider the implementation, at the regional level, of the [small arms] Programme of Action... Concurrently, this forum will also hold a Workshop on Transparency in Armaments.

International Committee of the Red Cross (Georges Paclisanu, October 7): The Second [CCW] Review Conference...in December 20011 took the landmark decision to extend the scope of the Convention's Protocols to apply also to non-international armed conflicts. ... States parties...also agreed to begin formal efforts to address the global problem of explosive remnants of war and ant-vehicle mines... [With regard to ERW, t]here appears to be a broad consensus that many problems relating to this issue are largely preventable and should be addressed in the CCW context. ... However, it is unlikely that significant further progress will be made until specific proposals are considered in a negotiating framework. ... [The ICRC] calls on all states parties to support such a mandate at the special Meeting of States Parties in December. ... The Fourth Meeting of the States arties to the [Ottawa] Convention...was another important landmark in efforts to end the scourge of these weapons. ... For many states the deadlines for stockpile destruction are as early as 2003, and for mine clearance 2009. The crucial role of the 2004 Review Conference in ensuring that these deadline are met and adequate resources are mobilised was recognised and preparations begun. The ICRC looks forward to hosting a meeting of...the Commonwealth of Independent States in Moscow in early November to consider the challenges and promise of this important Convention. ... The ICRC continues to be preoccupied by the ease with which military style arms are available in many parts of the world. ... We urge states to review their laws and policies governing the transfer and availability of arms and ammunition, with a view to limiting access to those who are likely to violate international humanitarian law. We also encourage continued efforts at the national and regional levels to supplement the measures in the [UN] Plan of Action and look forward to a careful review of its implementation at the first biennial review meeting next July.

Iran (Dr. Javad Zarif, October 4): The tenth anniversary of the UN Registry of Conventional Arms provides a useful opportunity to substantively review the overall operation of the Registry and its effectiveness, as well as possible measures to strengthen this initiative. One of the basic issues in the operating process of the Registry is the misgivings of states to fully participate... The founding fathers of the Registry established...a basis for exchange of information on armaments as a contribution to openness and confidence in the military sphere. ... Unfortunately, the implementation of the resolution and the operation of the Registry have been narrowly interpreted by some, against the letter and spirit of the original resolution, to be limited to the seven [specified] categories of conventional arms, and all efforts to expand the Registry into a broader context of information exchange including weapons of mass destruction [have] faced opposition and rejection. This is a sad experience which should be rectified in order to increase the efficiency and plausibility of the whole process. A decision to share information about nuclear arsenals, fissile materials and related technologies could produce an important impetus for the successful operation of the Registry.

Israel (Jeremy N. Issacharoff, October 10): We note with particular satisfaction that this is the tenth year of the UN [Arms] Register and that more than one hundred and sixty countries have participated in its reporting procedure.

Japan (Dr. Kuniko Inoguchi, October 1): The gravity of the problems of small arms and light weapons is all too well illustrated by the fact that these weapons cause more than ninety percent of all casualties in armed conflicts, or approximately 500,000 every year. The [UN] Programme of Action...is a historic landmark representing the collective will of the international community to address such problems. In the months since the Conference, Japan has been actively contributing to the implementation of this Programme. Earlier this year it held a meeting in Tokyo...and next January it will organise a seminar on the problems of small arms in the Pacific region. Another seminar will be held on the Asian region in February, with the cooperation of my government, the government of Indonesia and the UN. Assistance to those countries affected by small arms is essential, and the international community must combine its efforts to mobilise the available resources. Japan has been active in this area, too, by extending such assistance in cooperation with the United nations and its Regional Centres for Peace and Disarmament. ... Furthermore, we have recently begun a joint research programme with UNIDIR on arms collection projects in various countries. ... Japan attaches particular importance to the activities of the UN tracing study group which is aimed at studying the feasibility of an international instrument to prevent illicit trafficking in small arms. ... Since 1992 the [UN Conventional Arms] Register has been playing a significant role in promoting transparency in armaments, and in order to enhance its universality, Japan has been co-organising a series of regional workshops with Canada, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Nations. Another workshop is being planned in Indonesia next February for the Asia-Pacific region. ... Japan has also been making vigorous efforts to enhance the universality of the Ottawa Convention, particularly in Asia and the Pacific. ... In addition, we have been actively participating in the deliberations of the Group of Governmental Experts which was established at the Review Conference of the Certain Conventional Weapons Convention in December last year. Japan is eager to see a positive outcome of the Meeting of High Contracting parties in December of this year on the issues of anti-vehicle mines and explosive remnants of war.

Jordan (Ramez Goussous, September 30): [T]he United Nations [Small Arms] Conference...achieved important progress... The Conference attracted widespread attention, with the world's media reporting extensively on the cost and carnage caused by these weapons. Civil society groups from across the globe were deeply and creatively involved. After tense and difficult negotiations, member states forged a consensus among diverse views and interests and adopted a comprehensive Programme of Action... [W]e call for its full implementation promptly... Jordan has been a staunch supporter of the UN Conventional Arms Register. We regard the Register as an indispensable mechanism for achieving transparency in armaments which leads to confidence-building, especially in [such] conflict-prone regions as the Middle East. However, we believe that the Register may not be effective unless its scope is enlarged to include military holdings and procurement through national production as well as weapons of mass destruction, in particular nuclear weapons. We therefore regret that the Panel of Governmental Experts failed to deal with this problem. ... Jordan has ratified the Ottawa Convention... This step has come to reaffirm our commitment to help eliminate this most excessively injurious and inhumane weapon... Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan, in her capacity as patron of the Landmine Survivors' Network, is leading and contributing to the worldwide campaign to rid the world of APLs.

Kazakhstan (Madina B. Jarbussynova, October 4): Kazakhstan supports the UN Register of Conventional Arms, providing information on a regular basis since 1992... Kazakhstan is also in favour of the other transparency measure offered by the UN - the Standardized Instrument for Reporting Military Expenditures... [W]hile the [small arms] Programme of Action...has not fully met the expectations of all countries, we reiterate our readiness to undertake all bilateral, regional and international cooperation actions to ensure its implementation. As a contribution to this matter, in May this year the final regional OSCE Conference on prevention of illegal proliferation of small arms and light weapons was held in Almaty. ... I would also like to reiterate the willingness of my country...to host...in 2003 an international conference on this subject under the auspices of the United Nations.

Kenya (Bob F. Jalang'o, October 9): The [UN Small Arms] Programme of Action...was a big step in placing the matter on the international agenda... It is hoped that we can seize the occasion of the first biennial meeting to revisit...two contentious issues, namely provision of arms to individuals and non-state actors... Kenya wishes to express gratitude on behalf of member states of the Nairobi Declaration on Small Arms and Light Weapons for the support given so far in implementing the Programme of Action in our subregion.

South Korea (Sun Joun-yung, September 30): My delegation welcomes the regional initiatives that are currently encouraging the implementation of the [small arms] Programme of Action and looks forward to the biennial meeting in 2003 as another impetus to this endeavour. ... We regard the tenth anniversary of the UN Register of Conventional Arms as an occasion to strengthen its role as the voluntary repository of data on armaments and, thereby, to encourage wider participation by the international community.

Lebanon (Ibrahim Assaf, October 7): [Lebanon] called for transparency in disarmament to promote confidence between States. An example of such transparency was the United Nations Registry of Conventional Arms. ... [Lebanon] was willing to provide information to the registry and demonstrate how its military expenditures had decreased. However, the registry should include nuclear weapons, and not just seven types of conventional arms. ... [Lebanon regarded] mines as a particularly serious problem, especially in the agricultural regions of southern Lebanon. Those mines - the result of Israeli occupation - interfered with the work of local farmers and thus negatively affected production.

Malawi (Isaac C. Lamba, October 10): [Malawi] expressed concern over the illegal use of small arms and light weapons...[and] looked forward to the adoption of a comprehensive package of far-reaching measures that would aid the international fight against those types of weapons. ... [Malawi expressed] satisfaction with the Ottawa Convention...[and] welcomed Angola as the last member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to join the Convention.

Malaysia (Hasmy Agam, September 30): My delegation welcomes the tenth anniversary of the creation of the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms. ... The adoption of a Programme of Action at the end of the 2001 UN Conference on 'Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects' is a significant step... It is our fervent hope that states...fulfil their obligations under the Programme... My delegation wishes to reiterate its commitment to the purposes and intent of the Ottawa Convention. Malaysia has completed the destruction of its small stockpile of anti-personnel landmines and, therefore, has promptly fulfilled its obligations under Article 4 of the...Convention. ... It remain our hope and expectation that there will be a stronger political push for universal acceptance of this Treaty. In this regard, we welcome the successful conclusion of the Fourth Meeting of States Parties...

Mexico (Gustavo Albin, September 30): [Mexico] noted that this year marked the tenth anniversary of the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms... [T]here were still obstacles blocking transparency in weapons of mass destruction...[and Mexico] called on Member States to find new ways for achieving such transparency. ... [Mexico] was pleased, however, with the Second Review Conference of the parties to the Conventional Weapons Convention, because it expanded its scope of application to include explosive remnants of war...[and] called for early negotiations on a protocol that would prohibit or restrict the use of any munitions likely to become an explosive remnant of war that might cause humanitarian damage. ... [Mexico was committed] to destroying and eliminating the threat of anti-personnel mines and...appealed to States that had not done so to accede to the Ottawa Convention. ... [W]hile the number of small arms and light weapons were increasing throughout the world, States and regions were not doing enough to reverse the trend. ... States that produced and imported small arms and light weapons...[have] a special responsibility to combat the illicit trade and production. ... [Moreover,] if international financial aid flows remained low, destruction of such arms would not progress as needed in the developing world.

Mongolia (J. Enkhsaikhan, October 2): The 2001 [small arms] Conference adopted a comprehensive action programme... It also pointed out concrete ways of developing international cooperation and assistance, as well as ensuring its follow-up. Any positive step in implementation of the programme will mark an important building block for resolving wide-ranging humanitarian and socio-economic issues related to this issue. ... Mongolia welcomed the entry-into-force of the anti-personnel landmines Convention as an important step in conventional disarmament. Mongolia is carefully studying the possibility of its accession to the Convention.

Morocco (Mohamed Bennouna, October 3): [Morocco] cited the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons as a scourge affecting many regions of the world, especially Africa. ... [Morocco] therefore praised the adoption of a programme of work with respect to curbing that illicit trade.

Mozambique (Bernardo Zaqueu, October 1): [Mozambique] was committed to playing an important role in combating anti-personnel mines...[and] urged all States that had not yet done so to accede to the Ottawa Convention. ... [S]mall arms and light weapons...[were] the main source of violence and instability in the developing world. ... [Mozambique,] therefore, called for the swift implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to eradicate the illicit trade in small arms. The time had come for words and promises to be translated into concrete actions.

Namibia (Gerhard Theron, October 9): We...welcome the progress that the world community has made in dealing with anti-personnel mines since the entry into force of the Ottawa Convention in 1999. We are equally pleased with the outcome of the Fourth Meeting of States parties, where a number of measures and recommendations aimed at the full implementation of the Convention and at ensuring its universality were adopted. ... My delegation is also happy to note that all member states in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) sub-region have ratified the Mine Ban Treaty. ... The Small Arms Conference in July 2001 and the adoption of the Programme of Action was indeed one of the highlights in disarmament last year. While the outcome was not completely satisfactory, significant progress was made... My delegation is happy with the commitment by states to implement the Programme of Action, as witnessed through their national implementation activities and compliance with Security Council arms embargoes. The danger posed by conventional weapons has become even more problematic with the development of new and highly sophisticated technologies in the conventional weapons industry. Despite the urgent need to fight poverty and diseases such as HIV/AIDS, a lot of money continues to be spent on the production of these weapons which create havoc and untold suffering, especially in Africa. My delegation therefore continues to support international efforts to promote transparency and confidence-building measures among states. In this regard, my government hosted the United Nations Workshop on Transparency in Armaments in Windhoek in June 2002. The Workshop was sponsored by Canada, Germany, Japan and the Netherlands and was attended by government officials from countries in the region.

Nepal (Murari Raj Sharma, October 4): Opposed to anti-personnel landmines, Nepal has actively participated in the evolution of the Convention to control them, and our moral commitment to it remains strong. When the time is ripe, we will be happy to join the rank of those that have the privilege of becoming a party to that very important global treaty. ... A victim of Maoist terrorism for half a decade...Nepal has witnessed how terrorists snatch small arms from civilians and turn them brutally against innocent people. Our commitment to implement the [small arms] Programme of Action...is full and our call to strengthen the global measures to keep these arms off non-state actors is strong.

New Zealand (Deborah Panckhurst, September 30): Small arms and light weapons are real-time killers and they pose grave humanitarian, developmental and social challenges. New Zealand supports the implementation of the provisions set out in the Programme of Action and we are working with partners in our region towards this end. ... New Zealand remains a steadfast supporter of the Ottawa Convention. ... New Zealand, along with Australia, continues to work with Pacific Island countries to achieve the complete universalisation of the Convention in the South Pacific. Anti-personnel mines are not employed in the South Pacific, so we [only] have some administrative tidying to do. While we can take satisfaction from the work that has been done on anti-personnel mines, there remains much to do on explosive remnants of war. ... In the context of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, New Zealand strongly supports the work of the Group of Governmental Experts [on this issue] in Geneva.

Nicaragua (Mario Castellón Duarte, October 10): The United Nations Conference on small arms was an example of multilateralism and a step in the right direction. ... [Nicaragua] was reinforcing the fight against small arms with subregional efforts within Central America. ... [Nicaragua] expressed satisfaction with the Ottawa Convention. ... [A] conference on demining held last August in his country...had reiterated the goal of the Western Hemisphere to become a landmine-free zone and appealed for continued and increased technical and financial assistance from the international community for demining programs in the Americas.

Nigeria (E.E. Onubu, October 3): Coming from a continent that has suffered a great deal from the menace of landmines, Nigeria is totally committed to their elimination. ... We are delighted to note the tremendous success which the world community has achieved in the fight against landmines since the entry into force of the Ottawa Convention in 1999. We are equally pleased with the outcome of the recent Fourth Meeting of States Parties which took place in Geneva last month, and in particular the adoption of a number of measures and recommendations aimed at full implementation of the Convention and at ensuring its universality. ... We support the Programme of Action that emerged from the Small Arms Conference in July last year. We note, however, that the Conference failed to agree on the need to establish and maintain control over private ownership of small arms and the need to prevent supply of SALW to non-state actors. As part of our efforts in the fight against illicit proliferation of SALW, Nigeria, together with South Africa, Mali, Kenya, Norway, Austria, Canada, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom co-sponsored the African Conference on the 'Implementation of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms: Needs and Partnerships', which took place in Pretoria from 18 to 21 March this year. For Nigeria and other participants, the Conference brought to the fore the impelling need to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons. I, therefore, reiterate the call by President Olusegun Obansanjo for a legally binding international instrument to identify and trace illicit small arms and light weapons.

Norway (Leif A. Ulland, October 2): The UN [small arms] Programme of Action...is a good starting point for intensifying our efforts to deal with what Secretary-General Kofi Annan has described as weapons of mass destruction in slow motion. The emphasis must now be on full implementation of this programme at the national, regional, and global levels. We are pleased to see the encouraging momentum that is taking place on all continents. ... We are currently working together with a number of governments, regional organisations and NGOs on close to twenty different small arms projects. We are encouraged by the growing number of signatures and ratifications of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention... But there is no room for complacency. There are still too many victims and there are still large areas of land which need to be marked and cleared. WE therefore need continued political and financial commitment in order to reach the humanitarian aims we have set ourselves. ... Norway welcomes the successful outcome of the Second Review Conference of the [CCW]... We were greatly encouraged by the decision to extend the scope of the Convention to internal conflicts. We were also pleased to see that there was consensus on setting up an expert group to consider a mandate for negotiating a Protocol on the Explosive Remnants of War... We hope that it will be possible to reach agreement by the end of the year on a mandate for negotiating such a legally binding instrument. With in the CCW, Norway also supports the efforts to better address the humanitarian challenges posed by anti-vehicle mines.

Pakistan (Shaukat Umar, October 10): [W]ork within the framework of the CCW is proceeding satisfactorily. The CCW is a unique treaty in that it strikes a balance between legitimate security requirements and humanitarian concerns. Preservation of that balance is a prerequisite for continuing success of the CCW process. We also draw satisfaction from the adoption of the [Small Arms] Programme of Action... Notwithstanding its imperfections, it provides a good basis to address the issue in an incremental manner. Pakistan has already adopted a national policy in this regard which is being effectively implemented.

Philippines (Enrique A. Manalo, October 10): [T]he Philippines hosted a Regional Seminar on Implementing the UN [Small Arms] Programme of Action in July 2002, cosponsored by Canada... The co-Chairmen's report of the Seminar contained principles for developing a regional arrangement to deal with the problems of [the] illicit trade... It also recommended 32 practical measures which it proposed to submit for consideration by ASEAN... We look forward to sharing the Seminar's results during the biennial meeting...next year.

Qatar (Jamal Nassir Al-Bader, October 1): The world had suffered in the past from the dangers of conventional wars at the bilateral and multilateral levels. Qatar had been one of the first countries to sign the Ottawa Treaty prohibiting the use of anti-personnel mines. The Register of Conventional Arms was still weak, however, as it still did not cover weapons of mass destruction.

Rio Group (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela), statement by Bruno Stagno of Costa Rica, October 1: [P]articipation in [the UN] conventional arms registry constitutes an important undertaking towards international peace and security. In this context, we reiterate the importance of the standardisation of military expenditures accounting systems. In the San Jose Declaration, our heads of state and government endorsed a proposal for an effective and gradual reduction of the defence expenditures in the region. ... In this context, they welcome the progress already made and that will be made in the future...to attain this goal... The stare members of the Rio Group are fully committed to the goals of the Ottawa Convention... We reiterate our commitment to make our region a zone free of this kind of weapon. ... In the San Jose Declaration, our heads of state and government reiterated their deep concern for the illicit traffic of small arms...and renewed their political decision to prevent, combat and eradicate this traffic in accordance with the [UN] Plan of Action...and the Inter-American Convention against the Production and Illicit Traffic of Firearms.

Russia (Andrey Granovsky, October 9): We would like to stress the necessity of a comprehensive approach, under the United Nations leadership, to the small arms and light weapons proliferation problem. We welcome the efforts undertaken by the United Nations to coordinate the actions of states to fight illegal traffic of Small Arms and Light Weapons. We attach importance to effective measures to be urgently taken by all states to strengthen their national export control as well as to promote regional and international cooperation in keeping with the "Program of Actions" on illegal traffic of SALW, adopted at the UN Conference last year. We welcome the successful work done by the group of governmental experts which discuss, within the framework of the 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons review process, proposals on further strengthening CCW and its Protocols.

Senegal (Cheikh Niang, October 7): The promotion of international security should also apply to small and light arms, which had devastated so many countries, particularly in Africa. Small-calibre and light weapons were a serious threat to the security of peoples and the stability of States.

South Africa (Ncumisa Pamella Notutela, October 2): The success of the United Nations [small arms] Programme of Action...is measured in terms of the commitment by states to implement the measures contained in the Programme... The numerous initiatives that have been undertaken nationally and regionally to facilitate the implementation of the Programme of Action is evidence of the growing political will to effectively and comprehensively address the illicit trade... Japan, Colombia and South Africa will again submit a draft resolution on the [small arms issue]... One of the issued addressed in this draft resolution is the first biennial meeting to be held in terms of the Programme of Action. South Africa is of the view that this meeting should focus primarily on exchanging information on the national, regional and global implementation of the Programme of Action by all concerned... To facilitate the organisational planning of the meeting it is important that an informal understanding be reached during this First Committee session on who will chair the meeting. South Africa is pleased with the outcome of the recently held Fourth Meeting of States Parties to the [Ottawa] Convention... We believe that the Mine Ban Treaty has irreversibly established itself as the international norm in banning anti-personnel mines. ... The ratification of the Treaty by Angola in June this year, as the last member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) sub-region to do so, makes the SADC, which is one of the most mine-affected regions in the world, also one of the first sub-regions as a whole to formally adhere to the MBT [Mine Ban Treaty]. ... South Africa believes that the successful outcome of the Second Review Conference of the [CCW]...has strengthened the Convention as a viable instrument of international humanitarian law... With the extension of the Convention's scope of application to also cover conflicts not of an international character, South Africa believes that the focus should now be placed on negotiating an instrument that would effectively deal with the issue of explosive remnants of war.

Sri Lanka (Prasad Kariyawasam, October 10): The [UN Small Arms] Programme of Action...sets out a realistic and achievable approach. ... [I]ncreasing loss of life arising out of illegal use by non-state actors makes it an urgent task to ensure that the supply of small arms and light weapons is limited only to recognised governments or to entities duly authorised by states. ... We recognise that the Ottawa Convention is an important step towards the total elimination of anti-personnel mines. ... Although Sri Lanka is not a signatory to this important Convention, we have always, in principle, supported its humanitarian objectives... In this context, at the current session of the UNGA my Prime Minister announced that Sri Lanka will be reviewing our position on the Ottawa Convention with a view to becoming a party to it, as confidence in the peace process in my country builds up, gradually. ... We are encouraged by the outcome of the Second [CCW] Review Conference...which expanded its scope of application to non-international armed conflicts and established a mechanism to consider further steps to reduce the impact of explosive remnants of war and mines other than anti-personnel mines. In this regard, Sri Lanka is now reviewing its position with regard to [the] CCW with a view to becoming a party to it, and in particular to its amended Protocols.

Switzerland (Christian Faessler, October 2): Switzerland supports the efforts of the United Nations to strengthen the value of the UN Register of Conventional Arms and to invite all states to participate in the future development of the Register. Furthermore, Switzerland together with France has out forward a joint initiative on the traceability of small arms and light weapons. ... Without the new partnership between states, the ICRC and NGOs, it would not have been possible to negotiate and...adopt the Mine Ban Convention in such a short period of time. ... [M]y country welcomes the progress made in the context of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons in Geneva.

Syria (Milad Atieh, October 3): On transparency in armaments...{Syria] reaffirmed the position of the Arab Group of States about the need to expand the Register of Conventional Arms to also include weapons of mass destruction, taking account of the situation in the Middle East with respect to Israel's acquisitions.

Thailand (Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, October 7): Thailand has taken many steps...to follow up the results of the [Small Arms] Conference. A national coordinating body under the leadership of the National Security Council has been established to examine ways to ensure effective implementation of the PoA. Thailand also actively participates in the UN's Group of Governmental Experts...to assist the Secretary-General in examining a study on the feasibility of developing an international instrument to trace illicit small arms and light weapons. We support all efforts to ensure strong momentum in the follow up to the PoA, leading up to the biennial meeting...next year. Regarding the venue and timing of the biennial meeting, we strongly urge that it be held in New York in July in order to ensure that the greatest number of delegations are able to participate... We also ask that member states make good on their commitments to provide technical and financial assistance in order for all states to have the requisite capacity to implement effectively the PoA. The recent conclusion of the Fourth Meeting of the States Parties to the Ottawa Convention...brings into focus yet again the devastating humanitarian impact of the landmines problem and the need to achieve the universalisation of the Convention as soon as possible. Thailand has played an active role in promoting the issue of victim assistance and in comprehensively addressing the landmines issue at the regional level through two seminars held in Thailand in November 2001 and May 2002... Our contribution...will culminate in Thailand's hosting of the Fifth [Meeting of States Parties]...to the Ottawa Convention in September 2003. I therefore take this opportunity to invite all states parties and other countries to attend and participate in this meeting.

Togo (Roland Kpotsra, October 3): Within Africa...the proliferation of small arms and light weapons were of the utmost concern. They had led to the phenomenon of armed bands of ex-combatants, engaging in criminal activities and threatening stability in countries that were only just emerging from conflict. ... [Togo] thus supported programmes of reintegrating ex-combatants back into society as components of peace-building operations. ... [Togo] also expressed concern over anti-personnel mines. The United Nations had reported that production was declining. Nevertheless, continued work to prevent the production and transfer of mines was still important. (UN Press Release GA/DIS/3227.)

Turkey (Alper Coskun, October 10): In the field of conventional arms control, Turkey attaches utmost importance to the CFE Treaty, which continues to play a vital role in the European security architecture and makes an indispensable contribution to security and stability in its area of application and beyond. Mindful of the serious threat posed to international peace and security by the illicit trade of small arms...Turkey actively participates in the efforts to control small arms and light weapons. The present [major] challenge is the implementation of the [UN] Programme of Action. ... For more effective international control, Turkey encourages transparency in the transfer of conventional weapons. In this context, she advocates the expansion of the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms to include small arms and light weapons categories. Turkey also supports similar initiatives under the framework of the Wassenaar Arrangement and the OSCE. ... Last year I announced at this Committee my government's firm decision to become a party to the [Ottawa] Convention. Our intention to this effect had already been made public on 6 April 2001, during the visit [to Turkey] of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece... In that occasion, the Foreign Ministers of both countries decided that Turkey and Greece would simultaneously deposit the instruments of ratification with the Secretary-General of the United nations following the completion of their respective constitutional procedures. At this juncture, I would like to report that the Convention has been submitted to the Turkish Parliament for ratification. On May 9 this year, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament endorsed the Convention and conveyed it to the General Assembly [of the Parliament] for final approval.

Ukraine (Markiyan Kulyk, October 10): The [UN Small Arms] Programme of Action...is a significant, but only the first, step... We hope that within the follow-up process at global, regional and national levels it will be possible to make the implementation of the Programme of Action more efficient, as well as to find ways for strengthening and developing [the] measures contained therein.

Uruguay (Dr. Felipe H. Paolillo, October 4): We reaffirm the importance of the [UN] Plan of Action...and we hope that the international community will provide the necessary support to the UN in its efforts in the area... [We need to move] towards an evaluation of the feasibility of an instrument for the prevention of the illicit trafficking. ... We believe that the Register of Conventional Arms, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, has proved an important element in the promotion of transparency in armaments and we call for its universalisation. Finally, Uruguay wishes that the advances achieved through the Ottawa Convention [will] find a stronger echo within the international community.

Vietnam (Pham Thi Nga, October 3): The Vietnamese government fully complies with the [small arms] Plan of Action... However...global measures aimed at preventing illegal trafficking in weapons...should not, in any manner, prevent states from exercising their right of self-defence and security in protecting their territorial integrity and political independence in accordance with the UN Charter. ... Vietnam attaches great importance to the promotion of international use of the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms... Vietnam annually provides [the] full information required.

Yemen (Mohamed Alnajar, October 10): The time had come to muster the political will to put an end to the destructive impact of the more than 500 million small arms and light weapons in circulation. Those had rekindled wars and expanded their scope. No one could deny the close link between that illicit trafficking, terrorism and organized crime and the drug trade. A new law would be adopted in Yemen to end that trafficking. ... [Yemen] supported all global efforts to ban landmines. It had been one of the first countries to sign the Ottawa Convention and, in 1998, it had formed a national committee on landmines to set the strategies and plans for the national project to rid the country of those weapons. That committee, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and friendly countries, including the United States, had destroyed its stockpile of anti-personnel mines.

Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Dejan Sahovic, October 9): Yugoslavia...attaches special attention to the issue of small arms and light weapons. In that context, on may 8, 2002, a Regional Clearing House for Elimination of Small Arms and Light Weapons was established in Belgrade, as a project of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe within the UNDP Office. The purpose of its establishment was to harmonise regionally the relevant regulations in the field of production, trade and stockpiling of these types of weapon, in view of the fact that they are most commonly used in acts of organised crime and terrorism. Moreover, the Centre should promote regional cooperation in the field of preventing illegal trafficking... [L]ast year, Yugoslavia destroyed a large quantity of these weapons. ... [W]e extend our support to [the] resolutions entitled "Consolidation of Peace through Practical Disarmament Measures" and "Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects". ... At the Second [CCW] Review Conference...Yugoslavia supported amendments to Article I [on scope of application]...as well as the establishment of a working group of governmental experts [on ERW]... Yugoslavia [has] signed the Ottawa Convention... As one of the states experiencing extremely harmful consequences of the use of this type of weapon, Yugoslavia has actively joined the international efforts aimed at eliminating [APL]... Furthermore, earlier this year, Yugoslavia established the Centre for Elimination of Mines and Other Unexploded Ordnance.

Zambia (Professor Mwelwa C. Musambachime, October 2): [M]y government continues to support and participate in the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms. ... [D]ue to the continued decline in the performance of the national economy, my country has not been able to acquire new arms. Nonetheless, the government continues to support disarmament of conventional rams because these arms are responsible for the destruction of life and property in many conflicts, especially in Africa. ... In this regard, Zambia is committed to and supports the full implementation of the [small arms] Programme of Action... It is the view of my government that if all states, particularly the producers, honoured their obligations, the threat from these types of weapon would be eliminated in the very near future. ... In addition, Zambia calls on the Conference on Disarmament to speed up negotiations for the conclusion of the Firearms Protocol to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. ... Zambia is committed to the attainment of a truly universal ban of anti-personnel landmines for all time. It is our conviction that all states will have the political will to achieve the universal acceptance of the [Ottawa] Convention. ... My delegation commends the efforts by the governments of the United States of America, Canada, the People's Republic of China and France to support international demining efforts.

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