OSCE Chairman says more action needed on curbing small arms and light weapons, securing ammunition stockpiles

VIENNA, 21 June 2005 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, said on Tuesday that the Organization should devote more attention to curbing the spread of small arms and light weapons and securing stockpiles of conventional ammunition.

The OSCE - in co-operation with the UN - was playing an important role in assisting its 55 participating States to implement UN anti-terrorism conventions as well as in practical areas such as fighting suicide terrorism and making passports harder to forge, he said at the opening of the OSCE Annual Security Review Conference in Vienna.

"Part of the broader challenge is in putting weapons and ammunition out of reach, or even taking them out of circulation," the Chairman-in-Office said.

"We need to continue our work in controlling the spread of small arms and light weapons, especially anti-aircraft shoulder-fired missiles. And we should intensify our efforts to implement OSCE commitments related to small arms and light weapons and on stockpiles of conventional ammunition."

A number of OSCE countries had requested the Organization's assistance in destroying weapons and ammunition and improving stockpile security.

"We have to admit that such processes are demanding, both technically and financially. Nevertheless, the OSCE is doing its part. Where possible, it works with other international partners in this field - like NATO or the EU - to make effective use of resources and comparative advantages," Minister Rupel said.

"If we want to raise the profile of the OSCE's political-military activities and offer tangible support to states which require support, this is an area that deserves priority attention."

Noting that crime and extremism flourish in areas where law enforcement is weak, the Chairman-in-Office stressed the importance of the OSCE's policing work, which is aimed at helping countries create modern, effective police services which respect human rights and are accountable to their communities.

"Law and order must be based on good governance and not just strong governance. Police who break up protests by shooting into crowds of civilians cannot be regarded as upholding the rule of law. That is why law enforcement reform is vital and the OSCE's police assistance activities should be strengthened," he added.

The two-day Annual Security Review Conference provides a framework for reviewing activities in the political-military dimension by the OSCE and its 55 participating States.