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OSCE welcomes Yugoslav announcement to destroy small arms and light weapons
BELGRADE 10 July 2001
BELGRADE, 10 July 2001 (OSCE) - The OSCE welcomes the announcement of the Yugoslav authorities issued on 9 July, the International Day devoted to Small Arms Destruction, on the destruction of surplus quantities of small arms and light weapons, particularly those that have been seized from illegal users.
"This announcement of the Yugoslav authorities is a further proof of their commitment to comply with their obligations laid down in OSCE documents, more specifically the OSCE Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons adopted in November 2000 in Vienna", said Stefano Sannino, Head of the OSCE Mission to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
The OSCE Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons contains important provisions for controlling the manufacturing and export of small arms and light weapons, as well as for the destruction of surplus weapons and measures for conflict prevention and post-conflict rehabilitation, such as weapons-collection programmes.
While the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons is a global problem, their uncontrolled spread and use have in recent years affected peace and security in different crisis regions, including south-eastern Europe. In order to deal with this menace - which has victimized the civilian population and destabilized different regions throughout the world - concerted international efforts are needed. The United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons, which opened yesterday in New York, is aimed at finding global solutions to this problem. The steps that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is planning to undertake in this field must be seen in this context and are particularly welcome.
"The OSCE Mission looks forward to a speedy implementation of the announcement of the Yugoslav authorities and is of the opinion that this will constitute an important contribution to the consolidation of stability in the south-east European region and the strengthening of mutual trust among the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and its neighbors", stated Mr. Sannino. He underlined that the OSCE Mission to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was ready to contribute to and assist the efforts of the national authorities in the country to deal with the problem of small arms and light weapons.
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For more information please contact Stella Ronner, Spokesperson, OSCE Mission to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, tel: +381 11 367 24 25, mobile: +381 63 315 969; e-mail: osce-portparol@omifry.org, website: www.osce.org/yugoslavia/
"This announcement of the Yugoslav authorities is a further proof of their commitment to comply with their obligations laid down in OSCE documents, more specifically the OSCE Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons adopted in November 2000 in Vienna", said Stefano Sannino, Head of the OSCE Mission to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
The OSCE Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons contains important provisions for controlling the manufacturing and export of small arms and light weapons, as well as for the destruction of surplus weapons and measures for conflict prevention and post-conflict rehabilitation, such as weapons-collection programmes.
While the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons is a global problem, their uncontrolled spread and use have in recent years affected peace and security in different crisis regions, including south-eastern Europe. In order to deal with this menace - which has victimized the civilian population and destabilized different regions throughout the world - concerted international efforts are needed. The United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons, which opened yesterday in New York, is aimed at finding global solutions to this problem. The steps that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is planning to undertake in this field must be seen in this context and are particularly welcome.
"The OSCE Mission looks forward to a speedy implementation of the announcement of the Yugoslav authorities and is of the opinion that this will constitute an important contribution to the consolidation of stability in the south-east European region and the strengthening of mutual trust among the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and its neighbors", stated Mr. Sannino. He underlined that the OSCE Mission to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was ready to contribute to and assist the efforts of the national authorities in the country to deal with the problem of small arms and light weapons.
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For more information please contact Stella Ronner, Spokesperson, OSCE Mission to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, tel: +381 11 367 24 25, mobile: +381 63 315 969; e-mail: osce-portparol@omifry.org, website: www.osce.org/yugoslavia/