China View

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2008-05-29 03

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/29/content_8272978.htm

NATO hosts conference on global threat by small arms, light weapons  
 
    BRUSSELS, May 28 (Xinhua) -- A three-day international conference opened at the NATO headquarters on Wednesday to address the global threat posed by the proliferation, illicit trade and use of small arms and light weapons (SALW).

    The meeting, co-sponsored by the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council countries and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, focuses on strengthening the role of regional organizations in addressing the threat.

    Approximately 100 experts representing over 30 regional, international and non-governmental organizations from around the world are participating in the event.

    They are exchanging views on how to further cooperation and promote best practices between regional organizations in implementing the UN Program of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in SALW in All its Aspects.

    "At least 300,000 lives are lost each year to gun violence, 1 million people are injured, and countless more traumatized. An estimated 60 percent of small arms and light weapons are thought to be in the hands of civilians," said Aurelia Bouchez, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Regional, Economic and Security Affairs, opening the meeting.

    She stressed the need for the broadest possible cooperation between nations and organizations to meet this multifaceted, fluid and transnational challenge.

    "NATO is determined to continue to play its part in that effort, reaching out to other international actors, and enhancing security for all," she said.

    The UN Program of Action, which was agreed in 2001, sets out a comprehensive set of measures to be achieved at the national, regional and global levels. A number of countries have expressed an interest in strengthening regional implementation.

    The ongoing conference is aimed at preparing for discussion of the issue at the upcoming Biennial Meeting of States on the UN Program of Action, which will take place in New York from July 14 to July 18.

    Regional initiatives are crucial in complementing and strengthening the implementation of the UN Program of Action. They allow regions to address SALW problems according to their particular needs, helping countries improve laws, regulations and export controls as well as assisting in the destruction of large numbers of surplus SALW.