NEWS RELEASES

July 23, 2001 (1:15 p.m. EDT) No. 110

MANLEY AND PAGTAKHAN CALL FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF UN PROGRAMME OF ACTION ON SMALL ARMS

John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific), today welcomed the results of the UN Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, held July 9 to 20 in New York City.

The Conference concluded with the adoption of a Programme of Action that demonstrates a commitment by the international community to address the human suffering and insecurity caused by the excessive and destabilizing accumulation and uncontrolled proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

"This conference has shown that the trade -- licit and illicit -- in small arms and light weapons poses real challenges to the global community. Canadian and international NGOs, those working in the field, have reminded us that this is also a humanitarian issue," Minister Manley said. "With the adoption of the Programme of Action, we have taken an important first step to deal with the small arms and light weapons problem."

The UN Conference on small arms and light weapons convened for two weeks, starting on July 9 with Dr. Pagtakhan leading the Canadian delegation. On July 11, Dr. Pagtakhan delivered the Canadian statement to the Conference, tabled a study on the impact of small arms on children and officially opened the art exhibit iHuman 2000 Peace Initiative: The Gun Sculpture.

"What is key now is follow-up and implementation, particularly at the regional and local levels. I look forward to beginning this work this week at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum in Hanoi," said Dr. Pagtakhan. "The UN Conference has demonstrated that governments cannot solve this humanitarian crisis alone. It requires ongoing partnership with other governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations in implementation of the Programme of Action."

Canada's priorities are reflected in the Programme of Action, which includes: explicit reference to the humanitarian dimension of the problem; the impact on children; the need for post-conflict disarmament and demobilization and reintegration efforts; the establishment or maintaining of an effective system of export and import licensing and authorization; the need to identify and dispose of surplus stocks; and a follow-up process.

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sanjeev Chowdhury

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Stephanie Ashton

Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)

(613) 995-2742

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874