Implementation of the Program of Action to prevent Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in SALW
in all its Aspects
Statement by Brig. Javed Iqbal Cheema, Director General, Ministry of Interior,
Pakistan at the UN Conference to Review Progress (June 28, 2006)
Mr. President,
My delegation warmly congratulates you on your election as President of this Review
Conference. We acknowledge with appreciation your skills and acumen in carrying out
the consultations including on the draft final document for this Conference. I assure you
of our full support and cooperation in ensuring the success of this important
undertaking.
Mr. President,
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Five years ago, the adoption of the Programme of Action represented a political
commitment by all States to address concerns arising from the illicit trade in small arms
and light weapons. Today, we reaffirm that commitment to fully implement the PoA.
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Since 2001, Pakistan has pursued a proactive policy to combat and eradicate the
illicit small arms and light weapons. We have submitted two comprehensive National
Reports which lay out in detail the national policy framework as well as actions and our
contribution to the Implementation of the Programme of Action at the regional and
international level.
Mr. President,
- This Conference has a clear mandate from the General Assembly i.e. to review
the progress made in the implementation of the UN Programme of Action to Prevent,
Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in all
its aspects. We shall work constructively with other delegations on the basis of this
mandate.
- The Programme of Action outlined a broad range of actions to be taken by States
at the national, regional and international levels. International assistance and cooperation
was determined as a key tool to promote national, regional and global efforts. As many
delegations have noted before me, indeed much progress has been achieved by States in
the last five years in implementing their commitments under the PoA.
Mr. President,
- Twice since 2001, more than 100 National Reports were submitted by States.
Over 130 points of national contacts have been designated to coordinate activities related
to SALW. A vast majority of States have reported progress in putting together various
legislative and administrative frameworks; large numbers of illicit weapons have been
collected and destroyed; the security of stockpile management enhanced and record