Menu
20/01/2004
Global community must curb illicit small arms trade: UN
The UN Security Council has urged the international community to do more to halt the flow of the illicit small arms and light weapons, warning that they could end up in the hands of terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida.
Ambassador Heraldo Muñoz of Chile – which holds the rotating presidency for January – acknowledged the right of countries to acquire arms for legitimate reasons of security and self-defence.
However, he called on member states to implement the Programme of Action against small arms and light weapons adopted at a 2001 UN conference and to support efforts to negotiate a legally binding international instrument that would help to track illegal arms sales.
"The council encourages the arms-exporting countries to exercise the highest degree of responsibility in small arms and light weapons transactions," Ambassador Muñoz said.
"It also encourages international and regional cooperation in the consideration of the origin and transfers of small arms and light weapons in order to prevent their diversion to terrorist groups, in particular, Al Qaida."
Some of the almost 40 delegates who spoke at the meeting said that the widespread availability of arms and weapons had contributed to the continuance of many conflicts – particularly in Africa.
Speakers also drew attention to the problems experienced by countries which lie on trade routes.
At the outset of the debate, the Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs, Nobuyasu Abe, presented the most recent report on the issue by Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which highlights progress in disarming and demobilizing former combatants in several post-conflict countries, and in tracking the flow of arms and weapons.
But his report also underscores the continuing need to fund disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes in post-conflict nations through the UN's peacekeeping.
In addition, the report called for more political will and technical capacity to punish States that deliberately breach arms embargoes.
(gmcg)
Ambassador Heraldo Muñoz of Chile – which holds the rotating presidency for January – acknowledged the right of countries to acquire arms for legitimate reasons of security and self-defence.
However, he called on member states to implement the Programme of Action against small arms and light weapons adopted at a 2001 UN conference and to support efforts to negotiate a legally binding international instrument that would help to track illegal arms sales.
"The council encourages the arms-exporting countries to exercise the highest degree of responsibility in small arms and light weapons transactions," Ambassador Muñoz said.
"It also encourages international and regional cooperation in the consideration of the origin and transfers of small arms and light weapons in order to prevent their diversion to terrorist groups, in particular, Al Qaida."
Some of the almost 40 delegates who spoke at the meeting said that the widespread availability of arms and weapons had contributed to the continuance of many conflicts – particularly in Africa.
Speakers also drew attention to the problems experienced by countries which lie on trade routes.
At the outset of the debate, the Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs, Nobuyasu Abe, presented the most recent report on the issue by Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which highlights progress in disarming and demobilizing former combatants in several post-conflict countries, and in tracking the flow of arms and weapons.
But his report also underscores the continuing need to fund disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes in post-conflict nations through the UN's peacekeeping.
In addition, the report called for more political will and technical capacity to punish States that deliberately breach arms embargoes.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 February 2005
UK contributes cash to NATO demilitarisation project in Ukraine
The UK is to contribute £400,000 to a NATO project to help authorities in the Ukraine to destroy stockpiles of small arms and ammunition, much of it left over from the Soviet era.
UK contributes cash to NATO demilitarisation project in Ukraine
The UK is to contribute £400,000 to a NATO project to help authorities in the Ukraine to destroy stockpiles of small arms and ammunition, much of it left over from the Soviet era.
22 July 2010
Soldiers Die In Afghanistan Rescue Bid
Two British soldiers have been shot dead in Afghanistan as they attempted to rescue an injured colleague. The soldiers, one from The Royal Dragoon Guards and one from 1st Battalion Scots Guards, were killed by small arms fire in Lashkar Gah, Helmand province, on Wednesday evening. Their families have been informed.
Soldiers Die In Afghanistan Rescue Bid
Two British soldiers have been shot dead in Afghanistan as they attempted to rescue an injured colleague. The soldiers, one from The Royal Dragoon Guards and one from 1st Battalion Scots Guards, were killed by small arms fire in Lashkar Gah, Helmand province, on Wednesday evening. Their families have been informed.
02 March 2010
Solider Shot Dead In Helmand
A British solider has been killed in a gun attack in the Afghan province of Helmand. The Ministry of Defence said the A Company trooper, with the 4th Battalion The Rifles (4 RIFLES) died as a result of small arms fire near Sangin. He was part of the 3 RIFLES Battle Group on patrol yesterday morning.
Solider Shot Dead In Helmand
A British solider has been killed in a gun attack in the Afghan province of Helmand. The Ministry of Defence said the A Company trooper, with the 4th Battalion The Rifles (4 RIFLES) died as a result of small arms fire near Sangin. He was part of the 3 RIFLES Battle Group on patrol yesterday morning.
05 February 2004
Libya adopts Chemical Weapons Convention
Weapons inspectors have met with the Libyan government today as the Chemical Weapons Convention, which the country adopted last month, comes into force. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) were in Tripoli today after Libya became the 159th State to join the convention.
Libya adopts Chemical Weapons Convention
Weapons inspectors have met with the Libyan government today as the Chemical Weapons Convention, which the country adopted last month, comes into force. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) were in Tripoli today after Libya became the 159th State to join the convention.
10 June 2015
Peterborough Torso Identified By Police
Police investigating the discovery of a female torso in a suitcase at a property in Peterborough have identified the victim. The torso has been identified as Ramute Butkiene, a 42-year-old Lithuanian woman, who worked as an agency worker in the Peterborough area.
Peterborough Torso Identified By Police
Police investigating the discovery of a female torso in a suitcase at a property in Peterborough have identified the victim. The torso has been identified as Ramute Butkiene, a 42-year-old Lithuanian woman, who worked as an agency worker in the Peterborough area.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
