Ukraine successfully implementing UN requirements to prevent illicit trade in light weapons and small arms - Ukrainian MFA

The Ukrainian government undertakes active measures in order to implement at the national and regional level the UN requirements to prevent the illicit trade in light weapons and small arms. The statement to this effect was made by Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Horin at the UN Headquarters in New York when addressing the 3rd Meeting of the Countries to consider implementation of the UN Program of Action (2001) to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (SALW).

One of the key elements of Ukraine's national strategy, according to O. Horin, is elimination of excess arms and ammo stock. He noted that implementation of the relevant cooperation programs, with the EU and NATO member nations in particular, makes a considerable contribution of Ukraine in the efforts of the world community to prevent uncontrolled spread of small arms.

Taking into account threats the illicit trade in small arms poses to the national security, economic, social development of world's countries, the head of the Ukrainian delegation called on to continue in the UN frames discussing a range of issues of mediatory activity in SALW area and arms transfer control.